The first phase of houses built on the site of an historic brewery, near Felsted, are set to be completed later this year.
The homes are part of a redevelopment called The Old Brewery, in Hartford End, and will see a total of 26 new properties once it is finished.
The site used to be home to Ridley’s Brewery, a mid-19th Century build which was closed in 2009, and fronts onto the River Chelmer.
Soon after it was shut down, Essex County Council and Uttlesford District Council applied for the brewery to be protected, but this failed after consultations with English Heritage decided it did not have sufficient architectural and historic interest to merit listing.
Stockplace Homes, however, who are developing the site, are keen to preserve the historic elements of the site and say seven properties have already been reserved with a number of other potential buyers considering the homes.
A spokesman said: “The premise behind the redevelopment of The Old Brewery was to preserve as much of the old Ridley’s Brewery as possible, and, where not possible, to replicate the striking architectural façade which has marked the scenery of Hartford End for over a century.
“Sadly much of the original fabric could not be retained, the site having lain empty for some 10 years, but the facade of The Old Brewery has been designed and will replicate what went before.”
The brewery building will be transformed into six one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, a penthouse and a three-storey, three-bedroom house.
Two pairs of original Victorian cottages are also being extended and restored on the site, creating a further four three-bedroom homes.
Planning permission has also been granted for 18 new build houses ranging from five-bedroom properties to a two-bed bungalow.
The spokesman said that with the mix of rendered and brick finishes and variety of homes, the development will avoid the “repetitive look” of some larger developments.
Prices for the properties are expected to range from £300,000 for a two-bed apartment to £895,000 for a five-bedroom family house.
The first phase of homes is due for completion this autumn, with the second phase scheduled to be ready at the end of the year.
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