A MUCH-loved former hardware store has been officially handed over to beer bosses ready for them to turn it into a micro-brewery.

The Colchester Council-owned Jack’s store in St Nicholas Street has now been taken over by Three Wise Monkeys, which is next door.

Although the hospitality industry has been hugely hit by the coronavirus outbreak, the owners are hoping the interior fit out will be completed by Christmas.

Parts of the locally listed structure, which once served as a house and barn, date back to the 16th century.

Over time, the original fabric of the building had become heavily decayed, requiring an extensive programme of complex structural works to bring it back to a usable condition.

These included constructing a new metal substructure, preserving almost all the historic timbers and other original features, as well as roof repairs and a full overhaul of the building’s exterior.

The renovation project has been going for nearly three years, and Roman baths had been discovered below the building.

Colchester Archaeological Trust led the deep excavations required to explore and document the find.

Numerous recovered artefacts have since been displayed at their headquarters.

Colchester Council leader Mark Cory said: “In these difficult times due to coronavirus, we must follow social distancing guidelines and not visit public venues such as the Three Wise Monkeys.

“However, it is important that we still support local businesses.

“This regeneration work does just that.

“The former Jack’s store is a significant part of the history of Colchester’s town centre, cherished by many residents, and it will be rewarding both aesthetically and commercially to see it given new life and brought back into use again.

“Working with Three Wise Monkeys to bring this important building back into economic use will help stimulate further inward investment, as well as delivering more jobs in the town.“When we get through the worst of the coronavirus, I will be happy to raise a glass to support this local business go from strength to strength.”

Three Wise Monkeys co-owner Paul Tonkinson added: “During this incredibly difficult time, our primary focus is on the health and wellbeing of all our much-loved staff and customers.

“We have taken the unprecedented step of closing all our venues until we feel people are safe to return to their accustomed way of living.

“When things are back to normal, we’ll be pouring our heart and soul into a major refurbishment of the Jack’s site.

“The building will retain its charm of old, whilst also being able to function as a modern craft brewery.

“Colchester is a wonderfully historic town centre, but to be successful in the modern era there must be innovation and imagination.”

“We hope to play a key role alongside other local businesses in the evolution of a more diverse High Street, which will ultimately reward us all.

“We appreciate the continued support of Colchester Borough Council throughout this journey.”