WORK has begun to transform an historic and much-loved town centre shop into a new shop and flats.

The former tenant of the Jacks building, Bridgeway, has now vacated the property in St Nicholas Street to allow work to begin.

Colchester Archeological Trust is carrying out surveys to check for any archaeological potential beneath the building.

Plans for Jacks Famous Supplies, which was an iconic hardware store from 1946 until 2013, include rejuvenating the downstairs retail space and creating seven one and two bedroom flats above.

The front of the building will remain unchanged.

Jacks was once stocked with household goods, camping supplies, hardware, tools, clothing, shoes and workwear.

It was known as a shop where customers could get items not readily available at chain stores – from sledges to sledgehammers and tarpaulins to tea towels.

Colchester Council says the work shows how it is bringing unused, important buildings back into economic use, "helping to stimulate further inward investment, deliver jobs and meet its future financial targets."

The council has used its Revolving Investment Fund (RIF), to fund this project.

The RIF was established for the commercial management, disposal of and investment into key assets.

Leader of the council, councillor Paul Smith, said: "Jacks has a very important part in the history of the town centre. It is a very significant building that is cherished by many residents, and it will be rewarding both aesthetically and commercially to see it revitalised."