Sheepen Place, Colchester, Essex
Sale by Tender
- PROPERTY TYPE
Land
- SIZE
67,954 sq ft
6,313 sq m
Description
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A PRIME RIVERSIDE REDEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY NEAR COLCHESTER'S TOWN CENTRE
Freehold development site extending to approximately 1.56 acres (0.63 hectares).
Multiple potential end uses including residential, commercial, sheltered housing and care home (subject to planning permission).
Located to the north-west of Colchester Town centre, adjacent to both residential and employment uses.
0.4 miles from Colchester High Street and 0.7 miles from Colchester’s mainline train station.
Unconditional and STP offers for the freehold interest invited by 12 noon on Friday 17th October 2025.
THE LOCAL AREA
COLCHESTER IS A CONVENIENT COMMUTER SETTLEMENT WITH A VIBRANT CULTURAL SCENE AND LIVELY ATMOSPHERE.
Colchester is a historic town in Essex, known to be the oldest recorded town in Britain, and once the capital of Roman Britain. Remnants of its Roman past can still be seen today, such as the impressive Colchester Castle, which is the largest surviving Norman Keep in Europe.
In 2022, as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee celebrations, Colchester was granted city status.
The east of the city is home of the University of Essex, which attracts a diverse student population.
ACCESS AND CONNECTIVITY
The town is well-connected by both road and rail, with easy access to the A12 trunk road linking the town with London to the south-west and Ipswich to the north-east.
Colchester North railway station is on the London to Norwich mainline, with a fastest journey time to the capital of approximately 45 minutes.
Colchester Town Railway Station lies just under 1 mile to the south-east of the site, offering a direct service to London Liverpool Street in approximately 1 hour 10 mins.
The site is an approximately 10 minute walk from Colchester High Street (0.4 miles).
SITE DESCRIPTION
THE SITE IS BROADLY RECTANGULAR IN SHAPE, EXTENDING TO APPROXIMATELY 1.56 ACRES (0.63 HA) AND COMPRISING A 4 STOREY 1970'S OFFICE BUILDING WITH EXTENSIVE CAR PARKING.
The site overlooks the River Colne on its northern boundary with offices to the east, a large apartment scheme to the west and Sheepen Place Road to the south, from which access is taken. Given the large amount of surface car parking, the site currently has an open character, whilst the character of its surroundings is more heavily developed.
The site was previously in use as offices (Class E) and occupied by the vendor.
PLANNING CONTEXT
SHEEPEN PLACE IS LOCATED WITHIN THE PLANNING JURISDICTION OF COLCHESTER BOROUGH COUNCIL.
The site is within Colchester Borough Council’s settlement boundary where the principle of development is established.
The entirety of the site is located within flood zones 2 & 3 with a medium to high risk of flooding. Any planning application will be required to include a Flood Risk Assessment.
The site is within an area of exceptional archaeological potential. It is advised that any future planning applications will require an archaeological desk-based assessment and the results of a trial trenching evaluation.
PLANNING POTENTIAL
In accordance with local policy, the ongoing use of the site for office or commercial uses would likely be supported. Additionally, proposals involving the refurbishment of expansion of the existing building including development extending into the existing car park are also likely be considered favourably.
Subject to planning approval, the current policy context would support a range of alternative residential uses including market housing, care homes, and sheltered accommodation.
The building may also benefit from a permitted change of use from office to residential under permitted development rights. Similar office buildings nearby, also within flood zone 2/3, have benefitted from successful prior-approval applications for a change of use to residential.
FURTHER INFORMATION
VIEWINGS
Viewings should be arranged by prior appointment with the selling Agent. Applicants should note that Strutt and Parker take no responsibility for any injury or accidents on the property. Viewers and visitors do so at their own risk.
INFORMATION PACK
An Information Pack is available on request via the selling agent.
METHOD OF SALE
Strutt & Parker have instructions to place the property on the market with a view to selling it at the best consideration which can be achieved as a result of the marketing campaign.
The Vendors do not undertake to accept the highest or indeed any offer. Offers are sought on an unconditional and/or Subject to Planning (STP) basis.
Informal tenders should be sent to James Marner (James. ) and received by no later than 12 noon on Friday 17th October 2025.
VAT
Any guide price quoted or discussed is exclusive of VAT. In the event that a sale of any part or right attached to it becomes chargeable for the purposes of VAT and as such the tax shall be payable by the purchaser.
EASMENTS, WAYLEAVES & RIGHTS OF WAY
The land is offered subject to, and with the benefit or burden of all existing wayleaves and easements, whether or not specifically referred to in these particulars.
LEGALS
The Purchaser will be expected to give a legal cost undertaking of up to £20,000 plus VAT in the event they withdraw from the transaction following agreement of Heads of Terms and issuing of contract documentation.
TITLE INFORMATION
The Freehold offered for sale is held under the following title number EX611426. Further title information is contained within the Information Pack.
SERVICES
We have not tested any of the service installations and provide no warranties as to their condition. Prospective purchasers should confirm the availability of services for their own proposals via the appropriate statutory undertaker.
ENQUIRIES
EASTERN REGION DEVELOPMENT
JAMES MARNER
Senior Director
+44 (0) james.
HARRY COLE
Development Surveyor
+44 (0) harry.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Misrepresentation Act: BNP Paribas Real Estate for themselves and for their vendors or lessors of this property whose agents they are, give notice that: (1) these particulars are set out as a general outline only, for the guidance of prospective purchasers or lessees and do not constitute the whole or any part of an offer or contracts: (2) all descriptions, dimensions, references to conditions, necessary permissions for use and occupation and other occupation and other details contained therein are given without responsibility and prospective purchasers or lessees must not rely on them as statements or representations of fact and must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to their accuracy: (3) no employee of BNP Paribas Real Estate has any authority to make or give any representation or warranty or enter into any contract whatever the relation to the property: (4) rents or prices quoted in these particulars may be subject to VAT in addition. (April 2025).
A PRIME RIVERSIDE REDEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY NEAR COLCHESTER'S TOWN CENTRE
Freehold development site extending to approximately 1.56 acres (0.63 hectares).
Multiple potential end uses including residential, commercial, sheltered housing and care home (subject to planning permission).
Located to the north-west of Colchester Town centre, adjacent to both residential and employment uses.
0.4 miles from Colchester High Street and 0.7 miles from Colchester’s mainline train station.
Unconditional and STP offers for the freehold interest invited by 12 noon on Friday 17th October 2025.
THE LOCAL AREA
COLCHESTER IS A CONVENIENT COMMUTER SETTLEMENT WITH A VIBRANT CULTURAL SCENE AND LIVELY ATMOSPHERE.
Colchester is a historic town in Essex, known to be the oldest recorded town in Britain, and once the capital of Roman Britain. Remnants of its Roman past can still be seen today, such as the impressive Colchester Castle, which is the largest surviving Norman Keep in Europe.
In 2022, as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee celebrations, Colchester was granted city status.
The east of the city is home of the University of Essex, which attracts a diverse student population.
ACCESS AND CONNECTIVITY
The town is well-connected by both road and rail, with easy access to the A12 trunk road linking the town with London to the south-west and Ipswich to the north-east.
Colchester North railway station is on the London to Norwich mainline, with a fastest journey time to the capital of approximately 45 minutes.
Colchester Town Railway Station lies just under 1 mile to the south-east of the site, offering a direct service to London Liverpool Street in approximately 1 hour 10 mins.
The site is an approximately 10 minute walk from Colchester High Street (0.4 miles).
SITE DESCRIPTION
THE SITE IS BROADLY RECTANGULAR IN SHAPE, EXTENDING TO APPROXIMATELY 1.56 ACRES (0.63 HA) AND COMPRISING A 4 STOREY 1970'S OFFICE BUILDING WITH EXTENSIVE CAR PARKING.
The site overlooks the River Colne on its northern boundary with offices to the east, a large apartment scheme to the west and Sheepen Place Road to the south, from which access is taken. Given the large amount of surface car parking, the site currently has an open character, whilst the character of its surroundings is more heavily developed.
The site was previously in use as offices (Class E) and occupied by the vendor.
PLANNING CONTEXT
SHEEPEN PLACE IS LOCATED WITHIN THE PLANNING JURISDICTION OF COLCHESTER BOROUGH COUNCIL.
The site is within Colchester Borough Council’s settlement boundary where the principle of development is established.
The entirety of the site is located within flood zones 2 & 3 with a medium to high risk of flooding. Any planning application will be required to include a Flood Risk Assessment.
The site is within an area of exceptional archaeological potential. It is advised that any future planning applications will require an archaeological desk-based assessment and the results of a trial trenching evaluation.
PLANNING POTENTIAL
In accordance with local policy, the ongoing use of the site for office or commercial uses would likely be supported. Additionally, proposals involving the refurbishment of expansion of the existing building including development extending into the existing car park are also likely be considered favourably.
Subject to planning approval, the current policy context would support a range of alternative residential uses including market housing, care homes, and sheltered accommodation.
The building may also benefit from a permitted change of use from office to residential under permitted development rights. Similar office buildings nearby, also within flood zone 2/3, have benefitted from successful prior-approval applications for a change of use to residential.
FURTHER INFORMATION
VIEWINGS
Viewings should be arranged by prior appointment with the selling Agent. Applicants should note that Strutt and Parker take no responsibility for any injury or accidents on the property. Viewers and visitors do so at their own risk.
INFORMATION PACK
An Information Pack is available on request via the selling agent.
METHOD OF SALE
Strutt & Parker have instructions to place the property on the market with a view to selling it at the best consideration which can be achieved as a result of the marketing campaign.
The Vendors do not undertake to accept the highest or indeed any offer. Offers are sought on an unconditional and/or Subject to Planning (STP) basis.
Informal tenders should be sent to James Marner (James. ) and received by no later than 12 noon on Friday 17th October 2025.
VAT
Any guide price quoted or discussed is exclusive of VAT. In the event that a sale of any part or right attached to it becomes chargeable for the purposes of VAT and as such the tax shall be payable by the purchaser.
EASMENTS, WAYLEAVES & RIGHTS OF WAY
The land is offered subject to, and with the benefit or burden of all existing wayleaves and easements, whether or not specifically referred to in these particulars.
LEGALS
The Purchaser will be expected to give a legal cost undertaking of up to £20,000 plus VAT in the event they withdraw from the transaction following agreement of Heads of Terms and issuing of contract documentation.
TITLE INFORMATION
The Freehold offered for sale is held under the following title number EX611426. Further title information is contained within the Information Pack.
SERVICES
We have not tested any of the service installations and provide no warranties as to their condition. Prospective purchasers should confirm the availability of services for their own proposals via the appropriate statutory undertaker.
ENQUIRIES
EASTERN REGION DEVELOPMENT
JAMES MARNER
Senior Director
+44 (0) james.
HARRY COLE
Development Surveyor
+44 (0) harry.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Misrepresentation Act: BNP Paribas Real Estate for themselves and for their vendors or lessors of this property whose agents they are, give notice that: (1) these particulars are set out as a general outline only, for the guidance of prospective purchasers or lessees and do not constitute the whole or any part of an offer or contracts: (2) all descriptions, dimensions, references to conditions, necessary permissions for use and occupation and other occupation and other details contained therein are given without responsibility and prospective purchasers or lessees must not rely on them as statements or representations of fact and must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to their accuracy: (3) no employee of BNP Paribas Real Estate has any authority to make or give any representation or warranty or enter into any contract whatever the relation to the property: (4) rents or prices quoted in these particulars may be subject to VAT in addition. (April 2025).
Brochures
Web DetailsSheepen Place, Colchester, Essex
NEAREST STATIONS
Distances are straight line measurements from the centre of the postcode- Colchester Station0.5 miles
- Colchester Town Station0.7 miles
- Hythe Station1.6 miles
About Strutt & Parker, Chelmsford
Coval Hall, Rainsford Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2QFIndustry affiliations:
Notes
These notes are private, only you can see them.
Disclaimer - Property reference CMR250005. The information displayed about this property comprises a property advertisement. Rightmove.co.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the advertisement or any linked or associated information, and Rightmove has no control over the content. This property advertisement does not constitute property particulars. The information is provided and maintained by Strutt & Parker, Chelmsford. Please contact the selling agent or developer directly to obtain any information which may be available under the terms of The Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 or the Home Report if in relation to a residential property in Scotland.
Map data ©OpenStreetMap contributors.