ARC Group has been appointed to carry out repairs on an empty building in Colchester town centre.

The vacant Jacks building will be refurbished before local brewery Three Wise Monkeys moves into the premises.

Three Wise Monkeys will continue to upgrade the interior of the building to accommodate additional space.

Commenting on the plans, Cllr Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, said: "The former Jacks store is a significant part of the history of Colchester's town centre. 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."

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Paul Tonkinson of Pasini Leisure, which runs the Three Wise Monkeys, commented: "The owners of Three Wise Monkeys on Colchester's High Street are excited for remedial work to begin on the iconic Jacks building. There will be a major refurbishment of the site, so it retains its charm of old, but is able to function as a modern craft brewery. Beer is currently being brewed in the basement of Three Wise Monkeys under the 'Other Monkey Brewing' brand. An expansion of our current facilities is required to keep pace with an ever-increasing demand for our products."

Peter Winder, Construction Director for ARC Group, added: "The ARC Group are delighted to be working with Colchester Borough Council and Three Wise Monkeys to deliver the re-development of the former Jacks store. The ARC Group are well aware of the history of the building, its importance to the town and local residents, and are looking forward to restoring the building to its former glory and standing for the local community."