Plans submitted to give former department store new lease of life

The East of England Co-op is looking to give its former department store on Long Wyre Street, Colchester a new lease of life with plans for 5 new restaurants, 2 retail units and 24 flats having been submitted for approval this week.

The East of England Co-op is looking to give its former department store on Long Wyre Street, Colchester a new lease of life with plans for 5 new restaurants, 2 retail units and 24 flats having been submitted for approval this week.

Nick Denny, Joint Chief Executive for the East of England Co-op said: “We’re excited to be sharing our plans for the redevelopment of our former department store on Long Wyre Street.

“By revitalising our property and bringing in new food and retail outlets, we hope to entice more people to the area benefiting other local businesses, whilst also providing much needed housing in a central location.”

The property was temporarily home to Townrow, whose The Sale Shop closed in September 2014. Since then the East of England Co-op actively marketed the property, before taking the decision to develop the site themselves.

Councillor Tim Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Regeneration said: “I am extremely pleased that plans have been brought forward to rejuvenate the site and bring it back into use.

“There has been an enormous amount of investment in the local area- with the opening of the Creative Business Centre in Queen Street, the new Primark and work now underway on the Curzon Cinema. Plans to also redevelop this key site will generate jobs and provide an economic boost across the town.”

If permission is granted the East of England Co-op hope to begin work on dividing the 60,000sqft property later this year.