COLCHESTER’S streets are full of history.

You can barely walk a few metres in the town centre without passing a listed building.

But some hidden gems and quirky buildings are not lucky enough to be protected officially by being grade listed.

This is where the Colchester Local List comes in.

It provides added protection to landmarks across the borough, if they end up at risk of destruction or removal.

Last year Colchester Council ran a consultation to help it decide on new selection criteria for the local list.

Since announcing the new criteria 64 places or landmarks are set to be added to the list.

A report says: “The Local List provides evidence which will help the council deliver its priority to promote and enhance Colchester borough’s heritage and visitor attractions to increase visitor numbers while ensuring the delivery of the Local Plan.

“It will also help deliver the Council’s wellbeing priority in encouraging belonging, involvement and responsibility in the borough’s communities.”

A number of iconic buildings across the borough are set to be added to the list for the first time, including The White Hart Hotel, in High Street, West Mersea.

Although the majority of the building dates from the 19th century, there are surviving elements from as far back as the 1500s.

A water tower, in Upland Road, Mersea, is also likely to be added, with experts saying it has the “potential for national designation”.

Langham’s impressive water treatment works, in Sky Hall Hill, are also nominated for the list.

The report states: “The works were developed in the early 1930s by the South Essex Waterworks Co. and most of the buildings reflect the International Modern Movement architectural style of the inter-war period.

A raft of buildings in Marks Tey have been nominated, including Marks Tey Station.

Experts have recommended the canopy’s on platforms one and two are added to the list as “surviving railway heritage assets”.

The old methodist church has also been nominated.

The report says: “The building is good example of its type, largely unaltered and the style, form and construction of the building is easily identifiable and has local historical association.”

In Colchester itself, Artillery Barracks Folley, a throwback to Colchester’s military past, could also be added.

Colchester Civic Society member Robert Mercer surveyed all of the town centre metal work and has put forward a huge selection of lampposts, street signs, and the like for inclusion.

The grounds of the old Severalls Hospital are also set to be added.

The report states: “Severalls Hospital was a designed heritage asset until redevelopment in 2018.

“Although it has been delisted the hospital grounds still retain large elements of the original layout and design and, although altered, it is considered a suitable candidate for Local Listing.

“A number of the hospital buildings are Locally Listed, including the main ward blocks and the water tower.”

Further parts of East Hill House Gardens could be encompassed, whilst Eight Ash Green’s surviving Second World War pillbox, in Argents Lane could become locally listed.

The council is also looking to add Colchester Cemetery, in Mersea Road.

Julie Young, councillor responsible for culture, said: "I would like to thank everyone who has helped shape the new Local List.

"Their attentiveness and passion for the past will ensure many more heritage assets get the protection they richly deserve.

“With over 2,000 years of unique and fascinating history to draw upon, the heritage list provides an extra tool to champion the local historic environment for the benefit of current and future generations.

“The Local List is a work in progress – an opportunity to tell us what treasures of the past matter most to you – so I would urge the public to step forward with suggestions for heritage gems to include in future lists and help us make a Better Colchester.”

To view the full list, visit https://bit.ly/2Yn2i1e.