Expression of Interest for 5 The Centre, Hawthorn Avenue, Greenstead

Background

The property is one of seven council-owned shop units forming the ground floor of the parade known as The Centre.

Previously occupied by McColls as a newsagents and convenience store, the property is now vacant and we wish to reserve it for uses that benefit the community. 

With ongoing investment into the Greenstead community, particularly through schemes such as the ‘Heart of Greenstead’ Town Deal investment programme, we would like this commercial property to be used for community-based projects.

There are already a number of voluntary sector organisations operating within the area, some of whom have struggled to secure appropriate accommodation.

This has shown there needs to be more spaces available to the voluntary sector, which has led to this ‘Expression of Interest’ period.

We would now like to offer local voluntary sector organisations the opportunity to register an interest in this property, so that we can determine the most appropriate use for such a centralised space.

Location

The newly designated City of Colchester has a population of approximately 185,000 people. It has a large university and good access to the M25, A12, A130 and A120.

The premises form part of the parade of shops known as The Centre near Hawthorne Avenue, at the heart of the Greenstead estate and approximately 2 miles to the east of Colchester City Centre.

Adjacent occupiers include an East of England Co-Op, a ladies hair salon, a nail and tanning salon and a fish and chip shop. The unit is close to Greenstead Library and Greenstead Community Centre. The unit is located at the end of the parade and is easily visible from the car park that serves The Centre.

Description of the property

• A ground floor lock up shop below the flats above.
• Full height glass frontage with electric roller shutter.
• Rear door with manual shutter to back yard and car park.
• The unit is currently divided into a main sales area, two storerooms and a toilet with scope to reconfigure.

Use

Established retail use (E[a]). If a change in use is required for the proposed activities, consultation with planning services would be required. The proposed use should not conflict with the other businesses in the parade.

Plans

Accommodation

• Net internal area: 64 sqm (690 sq ft).
• Main sales area: 55 sqm (592 sq ft).
• Ancillary space: 9 sqm (98 sq ft).
• Toilet and corridor to rear door.
• Secure rear yard including space for at least two vehicles.