THE former hub of Colchester’s harbour is set to be demolished.

The Colchester Dock Transit Company buildings – better known as Coldock – will be knocked down by March.

The Hythe site marked a gateway into Colchester, but has stood derelict for years and is now costing too much to maintain.

No definite plans have been agreed for the future of the large site at King Edward Quay, but an application has been submitted to demolish the buildings some time between December and March. The site is managed by the Homes and Communities Agency and discussions have begun with Colchester Council to decide what to do next.

An agency spokesman said: “As part of ongoing estate management works to reduce risks, we have initiated discussions with the local authority to gauge its views on any requirements it might have for building removal or restoration.

“This discussion has started with a view to removing some of the derelict buildings.

“ This is quite normal activity for our sites where there may be health and safety risks and/or high costs in maintenance to the public purse.

“A clear site would obviously be more attractive to any potential developer in the future as there is less cost for them, but there are no current plans for development on this site.”

Mary Blandon, Colchester councillor responsible for the area, said: “It must be a good thing to demolish it.

“Like every empty building, it is vandalised and an eyesore for the area.

“I don’t know what would be right for the site, but we have to find the best possible use for it.

“To demolish it and make it more attractive for developers is a good thing and we will listen to what people want.”

Part of the site was sold by Colchester Council last year, for £15,000, as part of a housing development. The rest was bought by the East of England development agency with a view to selling it to developers in the future – then passed on to the Homes and Communities Agency.