PROPOSALS put forward by former Premier League footballers to transform part of Colchester’s derelict former port have hit the post...for now.

The Legacy Foundation, run by former England captain Rio Ferdinand, fellow former Hammer Bobby Zamora and West Ham club captain Mark Noble, had put forward plans to overhaul parts of the Hythe in order to build hundreds of homes and top-class sports facilities.

Initial proposals showed plans for disused land, in Haven Road, including the former Coldock site.

About 35 per cent of the homes were earmarked as a social and affordable.

In order for the project to get off the ground, tens of thousands of pounds is needed to fund a land decontamination project before any building can take place.

But a cash bid to the Government’s National Housing Infrastructure Fund has failed at the first hurdle.

Council bosses are now exploring what their next step could be.

A Colchester Council spokesman said: “It is obviously disappointing that the bid to the National Housing Infrastructure Fund to support the regeneration of a number of sites in the Hythe was unsuccessful.

“However, we are continuing to look at a number of other ways and potential funding opportunities we can use to help breathe new life into the sites and unlock the potential in the area.”

Despite the initial knock-back, discussions are still continuing with the Legacy Foundation and Homes England, which owns the site.

The foundation was set up by the trio in 2016 in response to a growing social and affordable housing in London.

Since then, the organisation has also shown interest outside the capital, in both Colchester and Luton.

A statement on the foundation’s website states: “Our aim is to deliver schemes that leave a legacy for future generations and we are very excited to work with local councils who share our vision for regeneration and change.”