Affectionately known by locals as ‘williegees’, Williams & Griffin department store is a mainstay on Colchester’s High Street. In 2014, a new chapter began in the Williams & Griffin story. A £30+ million redevelopment is now well under way, which promises to bring a West End shopping experience to the town. The redevelopment will see Williams & Griffin expand its floor space by 50 per cent. The new store will offer a bright and airy shopping environment, with more natural daylight built around a large central atrium with up and down escalators to every floor. There will be a far wider choice of brands and a exciting new Carluccio’s restaurant. The stunning new High Street façades will incorporate the existing Radcliffe (Victorian) and Tudor buildings. Inside, many of the fixtures and finishes take their design cues from the store’s – and Colchester’s - heritage. W&G will remain open throughout the redevelopment project, which is expected to be completed in autumn 2016.