WORK on the £30million redevelopment of department store Williams and Griffin is on schedule – despite extra work being needed on part of the building.
The revamp is due to be completed by next spring and will see the retail space increased by 50 per cent.
Contractors faced a setback when an inspection team discovered many of the oak beams along with the roof and foundations in one of the buildings were in a poor condition and will require substantial restoration.
However, the existing facade of the building will be kept after the work has been completed.
It has also been decided to keep the facade of the Twenties art deco menswear building after talks between architects and town planners.
This followed concerns raised by historians and other civic groups in Colchester when the plans were considered by Colchester Council.
Carl Milton, Williams and Griffin managing director, said work is progressing well.
He said: “Customers are being supportive during this time of significant change.
“We are keeping them informed by email, website and updated maps to ensure they can continue to locate their favourite brands.
“We are looking forward to the opening of the new building in September, when customers will be able to see at first hand the quality of the new finishes and displays.”
The steel frame of the new east building at the rear of the store has been constructed and the escalators have been installed.
Over the next few weeks, the floors will be screeded and lifts installed.
The link between the main store and shoe hall has now been closed to allow building work to continue for a temporary menswear space.
In June, the menswear building will close and displays moved into the temporary space in the main store. Access to the shoe hall will then be via the main store.
In the autumn, the existing main store will close for redevelopment and stock relocated to the new building.
Access to the store will be through the Tudor building and shoe hall entrances off the High Street.
In November, the new handbag courtyard will open, creating a new front access to the store.
The redevelopment began in 2013 and is due to be completed next spring.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel