Williams & Griffin gets approval for £30m redevelopment

Williams & Griffin, based on the High Street in Colchester, said shop floor space would be increased by 50%

A £30m redevelopment of a department store is to go ahead in Essex.

Williams & Griffin, based on the High Street in Colchester, said shop floor space would be increased by 50%.

A spokesperson for owner Fenwick said the redevelopment would be a "catalyst for the regeneration of the High Street as a whole".

Colchester Borough Council approved the plans on Thursday and the owner said building work, including contemporary new facades, could begin next year.

The Tudor and Victorian buildings will be renovated and adapted to form part of the ground floor of the redevelopment.