WORK at a multi-million pound housing development in Colchester which ground to a halt for months has been delayed... but is due to restart in the coming weeks.

The redevelopment of the Riverside Office Centre site, off North Station Road, has concerned nearby residents after work appeared to stop in the second half of last year.

Work started on transforming the site into nearly 100 flats in 2022.

However, the buildings, Fairfax House, Century House North, Century House South and Digby House, have been left exposed to the elements after workers downed tools several months ago.

Gazette: Empty - development work at the Riverside site has not taken place since last yearEmpty - development work at the Riverside site has not taken place since last year (Image: Newsquest)

The Gazette previously reported work to clean up the site had begun in January, with a view to construction work resuming in February.

However, further delays have pushed back the resumption of work, with it now not due to recommence until next month.

City centre councillor Steph Nissen says she understands Convivia, the company which owns the site, is still in discussions with the new contractors.

She said: “The update I have had as of Monday is work has been done in terms of assessing the current state of the site as it has been exposed to the elements for a while.

“There has been some minor damage caused so work has taken place to get it back to what it was before work halted.

“The company is finalising discussions with new contractors with the view to resuming work in mid-April.”

Gazette: Exposed - some minor damage has been done due to the site being left to the elementsExposed - some minor damage has been done due to the site being left to the elements (Image: Newsquest)

The project, should it be completed, will see four former office blocks converted into 93 flats as part of a £5.2 million scheme.

It will feature a mix of single, two and three bed flats, as well as six studios.

The blueprints for the transformation were approved by Colchester Council in 2021 despite scores of objections from residents.

Gazette: Positive - city centre councillor Steph Nissen outside the Riverside Office CentrePositive - city centre councillor Steph Nissen outside the Riverside Office Centre (Image: Public)

Ms Nissen added: “Having met the new director of the development company, it feels he does want to make sure the development is viable, sustainable, and that it is a welcome addition to the community.

“Credit to the company as they are in regular communication with us and providing updates.

“We are only talking a few more weeks, which in the grand scheme of things after months of delays is a positive.”