THIS is the first look at plans to redevelop one of Colchester’s most famous buildings.

The image shows 43 flats around a courtyard behind the the former Odeon building, in Crouch Street.

The project could be completed in just over a year.

Developer Ross Carroll bought the dilapidated building two years ago.

He submitted plans to convert it into three shops and 43 flats across four storeys, retaining its Thirties Art Deco facade, in June.

The rear of the building was going to be pulled down to make way for flats.

However, £385,000 demolition costs forced Mr Carroll to go back to the drawing board.

He has revised the plans so the rear of the building will be redeveloped.

Mr Carroll said: “We have made it as simple as possible.

“We have got the best solution from a cost point of view and a planning perspective.”

Mr Carroll said the courtyard would be created by removing the roof of the existing building.

He said: “It will be an oasis in the middle of the town centre.”

The first phase of the project, restoring the front of the building, is expected to be decided by Colchester Council in six to eight weeks.

The second phase, involving the development of the flats, could be decided on in about four months.

Mr Carroll said: “We hope to make a start at the beginning of January.

“All being well and good, it will take us 12 months to complete.”

Mr Carroll said he planned to start marketing the flats, which will mainly have two or three bedrooms, as soon as planning permission is granted.

He said: “The target market will be a mixture of investors, and professional people and it will be a lovely place for people downsizing and looking to retire.

“It is convenient with the nearby shops, there will be secure parking and there will be these amenity spaces. It fits most shoes.”