WORK to transform Colchester’s Angel Court will start in the New Year.

The imposing High Street building, which currently houses Colchester Council’s customer service centre, will be converted into a mix of restaurants, offices, shops and apartments.

Building work will start this month which will allow Essex developer City & Country, which bought Angel Court from the council for £2 million in 2010, to create separate entrances to the ground floor sections which will be leased out.

A temporary tunnel entrance will be created during the three month building project, and council officials insist residents will be able to access the customer service centre and the self-service facilities.

Get a copy of the New Year's Day Gazette for the full story.