WORK is starting on the site of the former Essex County Hospital marking another chapter in its long and respected life.

The hospital, on Lexden Road, Colchester, closed in November 2018, 198 years after it first opened in 1820.

The building underwent several changes in the early days with the portico added in 1825, and the two wings added in 1839.

In 1879 to 1880, wash rooms, baths and toilets for those wings and the third floor were added too.

In 1887, further changes occurred because of Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee.

A nurse’s home was built, with the original nurses’ accommodation becoming a children’s ward.

The operating theatre was modernised, and an isolation ward, casualty room and new laundry was added too.

The hospital was officially renamed to Essex County Hospital in 1907.

It played a key role in Colchester’s response to both the world wars and took on another new role in 1964 when a new radiotherapy suite was opened.

The hospital came synonymous with cancer care, not least for the dedication and kindness of the staff administering care for patients.

After many years of service, the hospital was considered no longer fit for purpose and plans were made to transfer all services to the then Colchester General Hospital.

This was agreed by the hospital board of directors in April 2014 and the beginning of the end began.

Other services to relocate from Essex County Hospital to Colchester Hospital have included cancer inpatient and outpatient care as well as chemotherapy and radiotherapy services.

The hospital on Lexden Road finally shut in 2018.

Now, plans for 120 homes on the site are going ahead with a recent land transfer agreement recently going through.

A total of 70 new homes are being developed through the restoration of the Grade II listed main Essex County Hospital building plus a further 50 new homes on the surrounding land.

Phase one of construction is set to start in April, phase two in January 2023 and phase three in November 2023.