A SOFT play centre turned derelict building in Colchester has been torn down for a new block of flats

Childsplay Adventureland was loved by youngsters for years before it was sadly forced to close as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The centre, in Clarendon Way, had long been a favourite among families in the city, regularly playing host to birthday parties and fun-filled days out.

Now, the site, which boasted a restaurant area, kitchen, two party rooms, a staff room and a play area, has been demolished and will be replaced with 21 apartments..

Gazette: Loved - the former Adventureland site in Clarendon WayLoved - the former Adventureland site in Clarendon Way (Image: Google)

Gazette: Site - Adventureland was loved by families until its closureSite - Adventureland was loved by families until its closure (Image: Google)

Bosses at Adventureland were given the green light for the plans last summer.

However, the applicant had to resubmit the plans after an “error in the site boundaries”.

Despite the resubmission, the design, layout and car park blueprints were all “as previously approved”.

Colchester Council has now given the new plans the go-ahead.

The build will consist of three single bedroom flats and 18 two bedroom homes, with 27 car parking spaces provided.

This equates to one space per flat with six visitor spots, alongside a bicycle store for up to 42 bikes.

Gazette: Goodbye - the Adventureland site has been officially demolishedGoodbye - the Adventureland site has been officially demolished (Image: Newsquest)

Proposed access into the development will utilise the existing route from Clarendon Way and “will not compromise” access to the nearby Childsplay Day Nursery and Everlast Gym.

The application also says the site for the new homes “lies at the heart of the town and is within walking distance of facilities and public transport services”.

It continues: “The train station is located less than 500m from the site and the nearest regular service bus station is less than 250m away.

“This makes it an ideal location for commuters and contemporary living.”

The Adventureland building, described as a "substantial semi-detached premises", went on the market with a guide price of £1.5 million after it closed in March 2020 as the UK plunged into a national lockdown.