Homebase confirms closure of Colchester branch

Homebase has told staff at one of its Colchester stores that it is to close.

Staff at the St Andrew's Avenue branch were sent a letter on Tuesday which stated that a third party had expressed an interest in acquiring the site for redevelopment.

The letter confirmed that the conditional offer had been accepted by Homebase/Bunnings; the company having 'considered the current financial performance at the store'.

A spokesperson from Homebase said: “We can confirm that our Colchester store on St Andrews Avenue has entered into a period of consultation regarding the proposed closure. Our priority now is to continue supporting team members.”

The buyer is yet to be named and the nature of the intended redevelopment is unclear.  Local press reported that the wording of the letter indicated that the offer was dependent on the buyer gaining planning approval for the new site.

The land is not currently sanctioned for housing.

Colchester Council leader, Paul Smith, said: 

Housing, of course, would be at the top of many developers’ agenda but there is also an argument for something like a Premier Inn or Travelodge-style hotel to come in there or even a smaller supermarket site with the likes of Lidl.

"I would imagine any one of those three could be on the agenda.

“That said, with the train line running where it does, that may become less desirable for a housing scheme.”

The Tollgate store is not understood to be at risk.

Source : Insight DIY Team
Image : Homebase store (not Colchester)

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