A GROUP of nuns is hoping for a warm welcome after building themselves a convent on the Greenstead estate.

The ten nuns are today moving into the specially-designed property in Howe Close, off Forest Road, Greenstead, on the site of the old Anglican Rectory for St Andrew’s Church.

The Sixties property has been extended and is in the process of being transformed into a home for the Roman Catholic nuns.

Teresa Lenahan, one of the nuns moving in, said: “We thought Greenstead would be an ideal location. It’s near to the town, but it is also a community in its own right.

“We are already involved with many things in Colchester. We have a chaplain at the university and many of us volunteer with local charities, such as Night Shelter.

“We are really hoping to be able to respond to the needs of the area.

“Most importantly, we want to live there and be part of the community, so it is important to get to know people.”

Miss Lenahan said she had so far received a positive response from people on the estate and added: “People have been so welcoming we couldn’t have asked for more.”

Architects Plater Claiborne have designed the property and work is due to be completed by the end of September.

The 11-bedroom house includes an archive, a studio and a special prayer space built in the shape of a giant egg. It is hoped parts of the building will be made accessible to the public.

The nun’s also plan to hold exhibitions where people will be able to view material from their archive, which dates back to when their community was first founded in 1642.

The ten women, who have been based in Priory Street since 2005, have been planning their big move for the past year.