Work has started on a £30million redevelopment of a Colchester department store.
The east building of Williams & Griffin, on the High Street, has been closed now construction has begun.
Departments within the closed section have been moved elsewhere in the store meaning they are still open to shoppers.
An extra 5,000 sq ft of temporary shop floor has also been opened up at the Fenwick store to minimise disruption.
Once completed the new-look store will have 50% extra floor space and a new modern facade, plus a direct entrance to the NCP car park at the rear.
Store managing director Carl Milton said: “We think customers will be bowled over by the new store.
“The interiors are being developed by top London retail designers HMKM, who have been responsible for some of the recent store upgrades at Harrods and Selfridges.
“This substantial investment by the Fenwick store group is a mark of their confidence in the town and its future and will bring a West End quality shopping experience to Colchester.”
Archaeologists will excavate the site during the late spring and early summer period as part of the works, which are due to be completed in spring 2016.
The shop will remain open throughout the construction work.
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