VACANT shops in Colchester’s city centre could be transformed into flats and new commercial units under fresh plans.

In total, 12 disused units in Priory Walk and Long Wyre Street would be demolished to make way for the living space if plans are approved.

The two-storey buildings would then be replaced by of 19 apartments and eight “multi-purpose commercial units”.

Planners had to go back to the drawing board after their original proposal in late 2021 was thrown out by Colchester Council.

Gazette: Blueprints - a drawing of the plansBlueprints - a drawing of the plans (Image: Inkpen Downie)

Their new bid states the apartments would consist of 14, one-bedroom flats and five, two-bedroom flats.

The build would slot into the corner where Long Wyre Street meets Priory Walk, which hosts Sainsbury’s and a walking route to Queen Street.

Plans reveal there would be no on-site parking for vehicles but instead 53 cycle spaces.

Mountcrest Group Ltd, which is behind the plans, said the scheme will step away from “the poor quality, retail focused approach of the past”.

Gazette: Vacant - the disused shops in Long Wyre Street and Priory WalkVacant - the disused shops in Long Wyre Street and Priory Walk (Image: Google)

A spokesman said: “Over the past four to six years, Priory Walk and Long Wyre Street have experienced low occupancy and high changeover of retail and charity shops with very few larger units remaining commercially viable due to lack of footfall and prohibitive business rates.

“This repeat cycle has resulted in poor maintenance, antisocial behaviour (including frequent squatters) and lack of general aesthetic coherence across both streets.

“The overall development will function well and add to the overall quality of the area, not just for the short-term but over the lifetime of the development.

Gazette: New look - how the area could lookNew look - how the area could look (Image: Inkpen Downie)

“Stepping away from the poor quality, retail focused approach of the past with honestly built, appropriately proportioned mixed-use sustainable buildings sets a new bench-mark for future development in the city centre.”

The developer stated the harsh appearance of the flats will be softened by references to Roman Colchester through green walls and classical paintings.

The buildings will be adorned with incorporated planting and green features where possible.

Colchester Council’s planning committee has the final say in whether the proposal can go ahead.