Eric Pickles, MP for Brentwood and Ongar and the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, have officially opened Rosewood, the new development by award-winning developers Crest Nicholson on the former Severalls hospital site in Colchester. Mr Pickles was joined by Sir Bob Russell MP as well as James Moody, Managing Director of Crest Nicholson Eastern, and Pat Ritchie, Chief Executive of the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

VIPs and guests gathered for Mr Pickles to perform the official duties and cut the ribbon to declare the site officially open. Visitors were also given a tour of the brand new two and four-bedroom show houses.


The official opening of the first phase of the Rosewood development marks an exciting new chapter for the former Severalls hospital site in Mile End. Initially, Rosewood will deliver 248 new one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom family houses. Styled in a traditional village setting with contemporary elevations, the mix of properties has been designed to appeal to a variety of purchasers from first time buyers and commuters to families and downsizers.

Mr Pickles said: "It is great to see the Rosewood development in Colchester officially opened. As one of the country's biggest landowners, the Government has a duty to free up surplus public sector land and there's no better use for it than building homes and thriving communities that will help more people meet their aspirations for home ownership."

(CD/GK)