Developer transforms officers' mess into new homes at Praecedo
A landmark military building at the former Colchester Garrison is being sympathetically transformed into a stunning collection of brand new homes at Taylor Wimpey’s Praecedo development.
Work is well underway on a regeneration scheme to breathe new life into the officers’ mess building at the Hyderabad Barracks, taking advantage of its attractive red-brick exterior with stone detailing to create a unique selection of one, two and three-bedroom properties.
As well as boasting a wonderful Edwardian frontage, selected ‘Brigadier House’ homes will benefit from highly desirable period features while every property will be fabulously finished using modern materials to the highest standards.
“This is a particularly exciting project to be involved in and it has presented us with some interesting challenges,” says Danny Clark, Project Manager for Taylor Wimpey. “We’ve been bringing this 108-year-old building up to our exceptional 21st century standards since work started in February. But at the same time, we’ve been making sure that the distinctive character of the mess is retained for the future.
“The Hyderabad Barracks are of significant local interest, so we are putting all of our efforts into the sensitive rejuvenation of the officers’ mess.”
The mess was built in 1904 to provide a space where officers could live, eat and socialise, and included a dining room, a snooker hall, a bar and sleeping quarters. The building had stood empty since 2006, when the 3rd Battalion Parachute Regiment was relocated.
The project will see the 18,000 sq ft of the officers’ mess transformed into 19 wonderful houses and apartments.
“We’ve really got the balance between old and new spot on with this restoration,” says Danny. “We are combining existing period features such as stone portico entrances, mosaic flooring, sash windows and high ceilings with modern energy-efficient measures and top-quality materials.
“The mix of new apartments and houses will offer a really exciting opportunity for property-seekers to secure both a brand new home and a genuine piece of Colchester’s rich military heritage.
“We’re expecting the ‘Brigadier House’ collection to be released for sale in Autumn and we will also be giving would-be buyers a superb opportunity to see what can be achieved with these wonderful properties when we unveil two professionally-styled show apartments later this year!”
There’s a superb selection of new homes currently available at Praecedo, including two-bedroom homes from as little as £142,995, three-bedroom houses from just £184,995 and four-bedroom properties from only £264,995.
Praecedo – which means to surpass or excel in Latin, in a nod to Colchester’s famous Roman heritage – is a collection of high-quality properties in a well-connected yet peaceful location overlooking the cricket ground in Mersea Road, with the tranquil open space of Abbey Field beyond.
The development’s convenient location offers huge appeal for those who work locally and who enjoy being within easy reach of a wide range of leisure pursuits, including pubs, restaurants and sports facilities. A choice of schools for children of all ages is also close by, as are two universities.
Commuters will appreciate good rail and road links to Chelmsford, Brentwood and London as well as to Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge and the Midlands. Colchester Town railway station is located just a short walk from home for regular services to London Liverpool Street.
To find out more about the new homes available at Praecedo, property-seekers should visit the Sales and Marketing Suite, located off Mersea Road, Colchester, CO2 7TB, and open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5.30pm.
Further information regarding Taylor Wimpey developments across the East London region is available by visiting taylorwimpey.co.uk/eastlondon.
