Colchester ABRO site's horse infirmary faces demolition

The former horse infirmary is part of the disused Army Base Repair Organisation site near Abbey Field in Colchester which is earmarked for a 203 home development.

The land was sold by the Ministry of Defence for £8.85 million last year and was previously part of the Royal Artillery Barracks, forming the northern most part of the old Colchester Garrison.

Former workshop director at the site Paul Knappett has now joined forces with New Town and Christ Church councillor Pam Cox to stop the building being demolished.

Heritage - the former infirmary is styled much the same as the original Royal Artillery Barracks buildings. (Image: Michael Emmerson)

Test of time - a stable door in the building (Image: Michael Emmerson)

Mrs Cox said: “The figure of the war horse is known to millions, thanks to the famous film and stage show.

“Few people know about the vital part the historic Colchester Garrison played in the real history of these horses and in preparing them for their vital military role.”

An investigation led by Mr Knappett and Colchester Civic Society has uncovered fascinating details about the former horse infirmary’s significance.

Generations of England’s war horses were trained and treated at the old Royal Artillery and Cavalry Barracks complex between 1870 and 1920.

History - the building still has the lifting rings used to raise horses off the ground for medical treatment in place (Image: Michael Emmerson)

They included hundreds of horses involved in the First World War.

After the Second World War, this section of the barracks was converted into a large defence engineering facility, later known as ABRO.

Some army horses continued to be stabled on the neighbouring Cavalry Barracks until the early 2000s.

The building campaigners are fighting to save still has the sling box and lifting rings used to raise horses off the ground for medical treatment in place.

Campaigners - Pam Cox, resident Linda Green, Paul Knappett and Sir Bob Russell holding a plan of the former site of the Artillery Barracks (Image: Newsquest)

Vision - more than 200 homes could be built on the former ABRO site in Colchester (Image: Scene Architects)

Mr Knappett and the Civic Society have submitted an application to Historic England for Grade II listing of the infirmary.

Mrs Cox has asked Colchester Council’s planning team to place a building preservation notice on it to protect the structure while the application is considered.

“We are also keen to ensure that the housing development proposed by Countryside Properties is designed in a way that enhances the neighbouring Roman Circus site,” she added.

“Our immediate priority at present is to prevent the hasty demolition of the historic horse infirmary.”