PLANS for a complete overhaul of a run-down shopping precinct have been submitted to Colchester Council.

Last summer crisis talks were held to help save the ‘dying’ area of the town centre known as Priory Walk.

The talks came after Peacocks closed its doors last July.

Of the 18 units, a few are still empty including Superdrug and Back to the 60s cafe and Piatto.

But plans have now been submitted to transform the old Peacocks and Superdrug units into apartments and up to six shops.

Inkpen Downie architects submitted a design statement on behalf of the applicant, for 18 studios or flats on the first floor and up to six retail units on the bottom floor.

The report said: “At present the building is unoccupied. The proposed works involve altering and reconfiguring the ground floor areas to create more attractive and affordable retail spaces.

“At the same time the first floor is to be converted into 18 residential flats, most having private balconies.

“There is to be no parking provision included with the development to encourage the use of public transport and reduce CO2 emissions.”

The unit is also home to The Gym Group, and the gym will stay.

The report added: “At ground floor the proposal is to subdivide the former Superdrug and the Peacocks premises to form five smaller retail units with frontages onto priory walk.

“There will by two corner units with frontages to Priory Walk and Queen Street.

“At first floor the development is designed to give most residential units an outlook onto either Queen Street or Priory Walk.

“The flats provide a variety of accommodation including studios, and one and two bed flats.”

The design statement added: “The former Peacocks building occupies a prominent site in the Cultural Quarter earmarked by the borough council for regeneration.

“The accommodation it provides, suitable for a large department store, is no longer viable for a retail outlet in this location.

“The building itself is unsympathetic to its conservation area setting , some of its near neighbours of the same era have been demolished or refurbished.

“The proposal is to convert the building at first floor level to residential thus reducing the amount of unoccupied retail floor space in the area and at the time introducing a residential use to a largely retail area.

“The proposals offer a viable opportunity for regeneration of a prominent building in a way consistent with the borough council’s aims and objectives and should be granted planning permission.”