The regeneration of the former Essex County Hospital site in Colchester by Essex Housing prioritises the conservation and restoration of Grade II and locally listed buildings, including the main hospital building, the locally listed former nurses’ home, and other heritage assets.

This scheme marks a new chapter in the site’s rich history, preserving its historic Grade II listed buildings while creating a distinctive new neighbourhood of 120 homes. Phase one of the three-phase project is currently under way, with completion anticipated in 2026, and planning permission for the two subsequent phases has been granted unanimously.

Conservation and Restoration

Phase one involves the restoration of the existing Grade II listed main hospital block, alongside the construction of sustainable new homes at the front of the site, complemented by associated landscaping. This phase will deliver 63 sustainable homes for the local community. The remaining 57 homes will be completed in the later phases, which will further protect and integrate other historic buildings and structures.

The design focuses on retaining and repurposing the listed buildings, creating an exceptional living environment centred on sustainability, health, placemaking, and technology. Careful restoration and conversion of the listed buildings, combined with the deliberate preservation of the campus setting, underpin this vision.

Placemaking

At the heart of the proposal lies a commitment to quality of environment, amenity, and wellbeing. Residents will benefit from outdoor spaces, including balconies, patios, roof terraces, and shared courtyards, all within safe walking distances and set in beautiful surroundings.

The site, enclosed by a perimeter wall and featuring a series of courtyards along its edges, evokes the feel of a fortified, protected area distinct from its surroundings. This character has been preserved through the retention of the perimeter wall and the courtyards.

Courtyards play a key role in placemaking, offering spaces to meet, relax, play, and unwind. They serve as the foundations of the new community, from the outward-facing main courtyard framing the central lawn in front of the main entrance, to the more private and discreet courtyards nestled within the new townhouses.

Environmental Strategy

The environmental strategy is proactive and resource-conscious, with the reuse of existing Grade II listed buildings minimising the demand for new materials.

The buildings have been designed to meet SAP ratings for thermal performance, with a focus on optimising the building envelope and incorporating renewable energy sources. Key measures include high-performance thermal insulation, glazing designed to maximise solar gains while minimising heat loss, reduced air permeability, and roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels supplying electricity for shared and individual spaces. Electric vehicle charging points are distributed across the site. Additionally, mechanical heat recovery ventilation (MVHR) systems will enhance air quality and energy efficiency.

The ecological value of the site has been significantly enhanced through the introduction of new green spaces, reviving the open green area in front of the main hospital building. Biodiversity measures include the addition of new green areas, retained mature trees, hedgehog pathways, and bird and bat boxes.

Walking and cycling have been prioritised, with sustainability measures integrated throughout the site, including photovoltaic panels and car charging points.

The project has been developed collaboratively with the local authority over a period of two and a half years. Digital tools, including 3D modelling and virtual reality (VR), were central to communicating the scheme’s development and evolution.