The Colchester Archaeological Trust (CAT) is about to submit a formal planning application to Colchester Borough Council for the former Sergeants’ Mess (originally the Royal Artillery Officers’ Quarters) as part of the Roman Circus project.
Philip Crummy, Director of CAT, said: “this planning submission is an indication that we now feel we can make the project work”. The charity had undertaken considerable due diligence: “we needed to be sure”, he said, “we fully understood what was involved in bringing the building back into a safe and weatherproof state”.
The charity has had to deal with planners, traffic consultants, engineers and a wide variety of other building and professional services. Mr Crummy thanked Graeme Roe of Stanley Bragg Architects for his invaluable support in the process.
In a separate development, CAT was advised earlier this week that one of its private investors has decided not to proceed in purchasing a share of the building.
Peter Herring, CAT voluntary project manager, was undeterred by this development. “We have come a long way and naturally it’s a disappointment to lose part of the backing at this crucial stage of the project”. He said that CAT was looking for another investor.
Mr Crummy is discussing ways of marketing the building with local estate agents. The charity is looking for a partner who will take just under 25% of the building, “enough for a 4 bedroomed town house”, for a price of somewhere around the £280,000 mark. This includes the purchase of their share of the building and the essential work to refurbish the building to a weatherproof state.
CAT are also pleased to announce that the current owner of Sergeants’ Mess, developer Taylor Wimpey, has agreed to contribute £25,000 to the costs of the CAT project.
