THE chairman of Colchester’s Firstsite is to retire after seven years.

Chris Paveley was chair of trustees in a period which saw the organisation make the prolonged move from the Minories into a new £28 million building, also called Firstsite.

He said with director Matthew Rowe now firmly in place after nearly 18 months in charge, it was time for an injection of fresh blood.

He said: “My time at Firstsite has been quite a journey, tremendously exciting, enjoyable and finally fulfilling.”

Mr Paveley gave notice of his retirement last October. Trustee Chris Hunt is interim chair while recruitment for a permanent replacement continues.