Plans revealed for eyesore Colchester town centre office block
Artist's impression of how Telephone House, Colchester, will look when it's completed - Credit: Archant
An eyesore 1960s office block in central Colchester is set to be transformed into apartments.
The old BT Telephone House on West Stockwell Street in Colchester is being made into flats. - Credit: Su Anderson
Telephone House in West Stockwell Street, within the town’s Dutch Quarter, closed in 2011.
Now Essex developers SBLiving plan to convert the five-storey building into around 50 one, two and three-bedroom flats in The Dutch Quarter Apartments.
A planning application for alterations has been made to Colchester Borough Council for the project, though permission is not needed to convert the building for residential use under new planning regulations.
A finalised number of apartments has not yet been agreed, but if given the green light the scheme is due to be completed by next spring.
James Struth, who runs SBLiving with his brother Tim, said: “In its current form the building is an eyesore in a beautiful part of Colchester town centre and we are delighted to have the opportunity to transform the façade and breathe new life into it.
“We are working hard with the planners to improve this building and aim to make it into a highly desirable place for people to live, close to the historic town centre and in this popular residential area.
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“The finishes for The Dutch Quarter Apartments both inside and out will be of the highest standard and we believe will set a new benchmark for town centre living in Colchester.”
Proposals for the exterior include new balconies and windows.
The existing 55-space car park will remain.
SBLiving has recently redeveloped Oriel House on North Hill and is also currently developing the former Witham Workhouse laundry into the Homebridge apartments.
