A PLAN to knock down two “horrible” buildings in Queen Street, Colchester, and replace them with a 97-bed hotel are finally set to see the light of day.

Developer Garbe wants to demolish 1960s buildings St James House and Roman House, the former Keddies store, and build four ground floor shops with a three-star hotel above.

Following several years of talks, next week Colchester Council’s cabinet is expected to kickstart the Cultural Quarter by approving a draft agreement with the developer to give them a long-term lease on the land.

FULL REPORT IN TODAY'S GAZETTE (TUESDAY)