NOT so long ago Highwoods was Colchester’s newest estate.

Gazette: Above - aerial image of Highwoods in August 1988

But these images from our archives show the homes taking shape in from 1981 and into 1983 and ‘84 when a new property would have set homebuyers back around £32,000 for a family property.

Gazette: Scheme - an image of the original development plan for Highwoods.

Scheme - an image of the original development plan for Highwoods

A few years later the estate the estate would get one of the first major out of town Tesco stores, its own shopping centre and country park.

Gazette: Ready - the launch of the first Show home at Highwoods in 1981 when just a few homes had been built.

Ready - the launch of the first Show home at Highwoods in 1981 when just a few homes had been built

This trawl through the archives also shows the origins of the Rover’s Tye Pub - thought to be the only one in the country with that name, built on the site of a former Listed farmhouse and barns.

Gazette: Houses - an aerial view of how Highwoods was looking by 1988.

Houses - an aerial view of how Highwoods was looking by 1988

* If this has jogged any memories for you contact us on 01206 508186.

Gazette: Moving - first owners moving in to Highwoods in 1983.

Moving - first owners moving in to Highwoods in 1983

Gazette: Aerial - Highwoods in its early phase in 1983 seen from above.

Aerial - Highwoods in its early phase in 1983 seen from above

Gazette: Established - Chinook in Highwoods in 1994 a decade after it was built.

Established - Chinook in Highwoods in 1994 a decade after it was built