THESE images capture the changes one of the most recognisable parts of Colchester town centre has gone through.

For years, Middleborough was home to a bustling cattle market, which flourished thanks to the close proximity of the railway.

It was also home to an auction market, set up close to the river in North Station Road.

In 1981, the auction market closed but Middleborough continues to be a thriving area with hundreds of office workers based at the Octagon.

Its construction, in the late 1970s, seen here with that of the car park opposite in the early 1980s, also revealed a Roman mosaic, now on display at the castle.