WORK has started on the construction of more than 100 homes at the former site of a historic Colchester hospital… but only four will be classed as affordable.

The major development of the former Essex County Hospital site, in Lexden Road, broke ground on Tuesday with a ceremony taking place to mark the first phase of the construction.

By the end of the third and final construction phase, 120 homes will have been completed.

Essex County Hospital, which was built in 1820, closed in November 2018 and planning permission for restoring the building and constructing on the surrounding area was granted in July 2020.

Gazette: Project - Adam Wightman shows members of the public how the site is excavated in 2022Project - Adam Wightman shows members of the public how the site is excavated in 2022 (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

Since then, extensive archaeology works have taken place, including 18 Roman brick and tile-built ovens, and scores of Roman burial sites.

With the excavation project complete, construction work – which has been part-funded by a £1.1million grant from the Government’s brownfield land release fund – is set to breathe new life into the Grade-II listed building as it begins its next chapter.

While the main building and other listed structures have been redeveloped, other buildings have been demolished.

Four of the 120 homes will be affordable, according to the plans.

Councillor Lee Scott, cabinet member for planning a growing economy, said the project will have wider economic benefits for the area.

He said: “It is fantastic news Essex Housing has reached this key milestone on delivering this scheme and I look forward to seeing it progress in the coming months.

Gazette: Closed - the hospital shut for the final time in November 2018Closed - the hospital shut for the final time in November 2018 (Image: Steve Brading)

“This site is a perfect example of how Essex Housing is supporting wider economic benefits of housebuilding, such as the creation of jobs, and striving to deliver new homes that our county so desperately needs.”

Councillor Ray Gooding, Chair of Essex Housing Development LLP, added the work was part of their project to reinvigorate underutilised buildings.

He said: “After much work, it’s great to see construction start at this iconic site in a key city centre location in Colchester.

“This project is one of many we’re working on through Essex Housing LLP, as we continue to deliver new homes and community assets for our residents and bring underutilised buildings and assets back into use.”