Projects
Colchester is rich in fine buildings, and until now there has been cash to spare to look after them. Now, with a recession in prospect, the fabric of the town will need help to make it to the 'other side'.
Tendring District Council invited the BPT to help with buildings at risk in the area. The BPT was one of the funders of the HERS scheme in Harwich, (supporting the development of commercial outlets).
To this end, the BPT is preparing to give grants for the repair of important details (sash windows, doorcases and interesting features). Click to Contact Us .
The Visitor Information Centre in Queen Street, Colchester.
'Rodney's ' in Queen Street next to the Visitor Information Centre(VIC) was a 'building at risk'. The BPT worked up a scheme to convert the top floors of the VIC into flats along with the first floor of "Rodneys". The scheme included better use of the ground floors of both the VIC and of "Rodneys" to create a larger space for the VIC. A Housing Association hoped to convert the upper floors of both buildings to flats. Unfortunately the cost of conversion proved too high; however Colchester Borough Council has since incorporated the repaired "Rodneys" into the Visitor Information Centre.
Brown's Buildings in East Street, Colchester
This important range of mediaeval buildings was in a very poor state of repair. The BPT commissioned a feasibility study from Geary & Black, architects, with a grant from the Architectual Heritage Fund. This revealed a much earlier structure than was at first thought. The carriage arch on the left of the picture is 14c. The BPT later made an offer for the buildings, but Harding Bros Ltd of Colchester acquired the site and made an excellent job converting it into 3 dwellings.
The Old Fire Office, Colchester
The BPT was asked to find a solution for this important landmark in the High St. The BPT suggested that Colchester Borough Council should take it back into public ownership, having improved the access to the upper floors. In the event, it has been bought by property company and the ground floor shops let. It remains in poor decorative order. An opportunity missed for the Town?
Jumbo Tower, Colchester
The BPT is providing limited financial assistance to the Balkerne Tower Trust which has commissioned a feasibility study to look at alternative uses, against the possibility that the tower is not developed by the current or any future owner.
Castlegate Street, Harwich
This small terraced house was in poor condition when the BPT became involved. The BPT having cleared the house, the owner sold it locally and the result has been that another part of Harwich's fabric has been saved.
Church Street, Harwich
This mediaeval building was in poor condition when the BPT became involved. The BPT negociated with the owner of the 'Stingray' which adjoins the property, and agreed the basis of a Planning Permission; this owner bought the freehold and is now carefully converting it into a restaurant, having preserved the period features: another important part of Harwich's fabric has been saved.
South Street, Manningtree
The BPT's current project is to attempt to save a pleasant Grade 11 building in the Conservation area of Manningtree. A feasibilty study has been completed, but with the fall in house prices, options are limited.