Colchester’s MP is “disappointed” by the “little progress” to a former military site which has laid in a derelict state for more than a decade.
The former Cavalry Barracks, in Butt Road, have long been known as a “ghost town”.
They were part of the 2010 Quadriga estate development by housebuilder Vistry Group, which saw many homes built off Abbey Field.
But nothing has ever happened to the site, resulting in it becoming a magnet for troublemakers and antisocial behaviour.
The Cavalry Barracks was the earliest permanent barracks of its kind at Colchester Garrison when it was built in 1862.
It was also used in the opening and closing credits of comedian Rowan Atkinson’s hit comedy series Blackadder Goes Forth.
New signage and fencing was recently spotted by residents, suggesting there may be movement to the barracks finally being redeveloped as housing.
A spokesman for Vistry Group confirmed it was part of “ongoing maintenance” work and that the housebuilder is “continuing to work towards the future re-development of the site”.
Colchester MP and Christ Church Ward councillor Pam Cox is still calling for the site to be redeveloped.
She said: “It’s very disappointing that Vistry are making so little progress in converting this valuable former historic garrison site into much-needed homes.
“They’ve owned these properties for many years now and residents who live nearby are sick of living in an unfinished neighbourhood.”
Fellow ward councillor Sam McLean said the former barracks should be treated with the respect it deserves whenever works do start in the future.
He said: “I hope that future developments on this site will respect, listen to, and act on the concerns of the surrounding community, providing well-designed homes that meet a range of needs.”
The former barracks have now been listed by estate agency business Savills Chelmsford for an undisclosed sum on Rightmove.
It is listed as freehold with vacant possession and has planning permission for 70 homes to be built on the site.
The Gazette has contacted Vistry Group for a comment.
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