Jacks was a famous supplier in Colchester, opened in 1960 and was a popular shop for many years selling a combination of household goods, camping supplies, hardware, tools, clothes and shoes. Unfortunately, Jacks had to close and Three Wise Monkeys, a Tap House replaced this iconic store. Arc were commissioned to work in collaboration with Three Wise Monkeys to completely strip out and refurbish this building and undertake essential structural repairs.

Works involved:

• Structural repairs to existing timbers, structural alterations to allow provision of new distillery plant, formation of mezzanine floors connected to the adjacent building.
• Shopfront - new sliding timber sections to match existing and upgrading the lobby area with replacement doors and frames.
• Windows – To supply purpose made casement windows to first floor areas all to match existing style.
• Strip off and renew roof coverings, retaining as much of the of the original plain clay tiles as possible and introducing new rooflights.
• Internal fire doors / screen – To supply purpose made fire doors and screens all to meet architect’s specifications.

During the works, it was discovered that the site was located to the rear of a former Roman Bath house. Working in conjunction with the Colchester Archaeological team, a number of archaeological finds were made within the new foundations which were recorded, preserved and presented in a local exhibition.