Colchester development gets green light

Sovereign Land has secured planning consent

for a 600,000 pound revitalisation project to turn Colchester’s historic Red Lion Yard into a boutique shopping destination.

The property company submitted a planning application for a sympathetic refurbishment of the site in September, following its 1 million pound acquisition of Red Lion Yard and the adjacent 231,000 square foot Lion Walk Shopping Centre earlier this year. The development will see the Red Lion Yard linking Colchester’s high street with the Lion Walk.

The revitalisation project has been designed by Colchester-based architects Stanley Bragg and will include the installation of new shop fronts, general fabric upgrade, improved lighting and signage to encourage shoppers in from the high street. In addition, some of the Yard’s smaller units will be combined to create larger boutique stores – with units of up to 935 square feet available.

Max La Frenais, director of Sovereign Land, said: “Red Lion Yard has a fascinating history but has become somewhat tired over the years.

“We’ll be investing a significant amount in creating a thriving retail hub with a boutique feel, which is sensitive to the Yard’s traditional heritage and also complements the great shopping experience already on offer at Lion Walk.”

Work will start in early January 2014, with completion expected in the summer.