MAJOR projects like the Northern Gateway will be a 'lasting legacy' for Colchester, a commercial boss has said.

Colchester Council's revolving investment fund committee met to discuss some big captial projects happening in the town.

The committee finds ways to recycle incoming cash into development schemes and economic growth projects.

Items on the agenda included Northern Gateway and the former Jacks building is St Nicholas Street.

The committee heard there is progress being made on developing the Jacks building, with tenders going out in July.

It means the council can make the area safe, in particular the roof, so Three Wise Monkeys can move in and do their own works to turn it into a brewery.

The project is likely to cost close to half a million pounds.

A planning application will be submitted by the end of the year for the Northern Gateway boulevard, south of the site near Axial Way.

Nick Barlow (Lib Dem) councillor responsible for commercial services, said: "This shows is the ambition we have in Colchester, regenerating development in the town.

"We can see there is a hell of a lot going on in Colchester compared to other places, it's a vastly ambitious programme.

"Northern Gateway is not just a sports hub and development of offices, there's all these things going on that are very bold and we are very grateful for the work being done.

"It will be a lasting legacy for Colchester."

Tim Young (Lab), councillor responsible for business, wanted an update on St Nicholas Square and the former Co-op building there.

He said: "Jacks is an important part of the work going on in that area. When we get that area done it will transform it, there were rumours of delay."

He was told feasibility work is being carried out and local businesses are being asked for their views.

Work has also started to build phase two of the Amphora Place development in Sheepen Road.

Birkett Long currently occupies the first phase of offices.

Aston Lark, insurance broker, will be moving into the new building once it is complete.