Fire starts inside old Homebase in Colchester where Lidl is planned

Four crews from Colchester, Wivenhoe and Brightlingsea were called to the derelict retail unit, in St Andrew’s Avenue, at about 5.20pm today.

When crews arrived the building, which measures a massive 100m by 30m, was smoke logged and the fire was found to have broken through the roof.

Crews had the fire under control by around 6.30pm, but said they would need to stay at the scene for some time in order to monitor any hotspots.

Station Manager Scott Meekings said: “Crews have worked hard to contain the fire and bring it under control.

“They will now continue searching the building for any further hotspots.

“We expect crews to be on scene for some time until we can be certain the area is completely cooled.”

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Essex Fire Service said an investigation will take place to determine the cause of the fire once it is safe to do so.

Fire engines were spotted in nearby Greenstead Road where it is believe a separate fire took place on Tuesday evening.

Fire engines in Greenstead Road, Colchester. Picture: Carl Baxter

The entrance to the Homebase unit has been blocked off to deter antisocial drivers whilst the store remains closed.

The former Homebase unit, which has been empty since 2018, is set to be turned into a new Lidl.

Plans also feature a Subway and Costa Coffee, including a drive-thru.

Planning permission was granted for the development earlier this year.

Once complete, the new multi-million pound supermarket will create 40 jobs with dozens more employment opportunities set to be available at Costa and Subway as well.

No timeframe for when the stores could open has been announced so far.