The sale of the former site of the Odeon cinema in Crouch Street would give the area a much-needed shot in the arm according to business owners.

Jo Dilworth, who owns Dillys Bespoke Florist in the street, said the site’s lack of development has dragged down the business of numerous shops on Crouch Street.
She said: “We want it sold and we want something done with it.

“At the moment it’s housing pigeons and seagulls are ripping to shreds any rubbish left out on the street overnight. The building just looks so awful.

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“But we’ve got more independent shops in Colchester than Chelmsford and Ipswich, and people want to see those, shops that sell something different.”

Louise Byford, the manager of Sense charity shop, said renovations to the former Odeon site would be very much welcomed.

She said: “It’s such an eyesore at the moment but footfall would increase immensely [if it was renovated.]

“I do believe it would help out all the businesses on the street especially if it was converted into flats and added two or three shops.

“It would definitely help.”