Butt Road former Cavalry Barracks homes hit the market

Gus Newell, of Lexden, is the managing director of Newell Homes, the firm which purchased the former Cavalry Barracks, in Butt Road, after it was put up for sale in September 2024.

The barracks have been derelict for years and were originally part of the 2010 Quadriga estate development by housebuilder Vistry Group, where homes were built off Abbey Field.

Mr Newell previously told the Gazette about taking on the site and his three-year plan to build 70 homes.

History - the old cavalry barracks (Image: NQ)

To be transformed - the old barracks (Image: NQ)

Finally, the first phase of works has come to an end, and ten homes are available to view and purchase from July 11 when its first public open day is held.

Mr Newell said: “Overall, the project is progressing well.

Gus: “It’s very satisfying to reach this point.

“It’s rewarding as well to know the integrity of the buildings and the history behind them have been retained.

Bosses - Sales director of Harris and Wood’s land and new homes service, Paul Copeland, and developer Gus Newell (Image: NQ)

“We’ve been quite impressed by the amount of people who have made enquiries so far.

“I would like to say thank you Samantha Lappin at Arcady Architects, she has been fantastic.”

The first phase includes the sergeant’s mess which is six, three-bedroom terraced houses.

The forge building includes two bungalows, one which has two-bedrooms, and the other has three-bedrooms.

The Hayloft, two, three-bed bungalows, is also part of the first phase and will be available but a price has not been confirmed yet.

Going on sale - the six terraced houses (Image: NQ)

For sale - one of the bungalows at the forge (Image: NQ)

Officially, the development is being called Royal Cavalry Gate at Colchester Garrison, and the price range starts at £365,000.

Property firm Harris and Wood has been appointed as the sales agent for the development.

Paul Copeland, sales director of Harris and Wood’s Land & New Homes service, said: “Harris and Wood were delighted to be appointed, there has been a lot of interest in this part of the development.

“There was the new build carried out by Bovis a few years ago, but a lot of people have always had their eye on these buildings.

Fencing - Newell Homes at the old barracks (Image: NQ)

Coming soon - The Hayloft (Image: NQ)

“When we have been talking to people, their excitement has shone through as well.

“They’ve been looking for something a little bit different, and I think they are buying into the history, character, and a newbuild internally.

“There is general excitement around it all.”

Phase two will consist of eight flats built in cavalry blocks seven and eight.

Phase three will involve the former dormitories, stable blocks, and the rest of the cavalry blocks which will be turned into more homes.

Listings will be added to newellhomes.co.uk.