Empty shop set for 'drag school' transformation

Plans have been drawn up to transform an empty shop unit into a school and bar for drag acts.

The former Co-op, off Long Wyre Street in Colchester, Essex, has stood vacant for a number of years and had "made no positive contribution" to the city centre, according to a planning statement.

Jo Palmer-Tweed, co-partner of The Dragonfly Lounge, said Colchester was a "drag rich" city that needed a dedicated space for the LGBTQ+ community.

She said she hoped the new venue could be open by March.

Ms Palmer-Tweed said her aim was to create a bar that was "as inclusive as we can possibly make it" but also double as a school for drag acts.

Colchester City Council's Portfolio Holder for Communities, Heritage, and Public Protection, Natalie Sommers, said the plan was "a testament to the growing diversity and vibrancy of our city".

Ms Palmer-Tweed said locals had been "incredibly supportive", including the neighbouring museum, Firstsite, who had offered spaces for potential pop-up events.

The planning application concerns Unit B, which was previously the loading bay of a Co-Operative department store in Long Wye Street.

A planning statement said: "The property has been vacant for several years, so has made no positive contribution to the vitality or viability of the city centre in this time."

It added that the venue would be "more than a regular drinking establishment, of which there are many", but would help "resuscitate an almost entirely vacant" city centre unit.

The proposals would see the installation of internal walls to create space for facilities including an office, toilets and a cloakroom.

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