The old Market Hall at Leicester’s Market is due to be demolished at the start of the new year.
As part of the wider regeneration of the area, the ageing 1970s building which houses parts of the indoor market and the market offices, has been earmarked for demolition.
Work is due to begin on Monday 5 January and is expected to be completed by mid summer 2015.
Road closures will be organised primarily at times outside of the normal operating hours of the market and other surrounding businesses.
The building is immediately behind the market’s new 5,500 square foot Food Hall building, which was launched in May 2014 to house stalls selling fresh meat and fish, cheese and fine delicatessen produce.
The works are all part of a £9.2million transformation of the historic market.
Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said, “The old Market Hall building has long ceased to be sufficient for modern shopping needs, and it something of an eyesore which is completely out of place to the surrounding heritage.
“This will be a large-scale demolition, which will obviously have some impact on the operation of the market, but we’re working hard to ensure that as little disruption as possible takes place, and where it can’t be avoided, that everyone affected is given as much information as possible.
“The removal of this obsolete and disused part of the market will enable the ongoing transformation of the market area to continue and help us to make the most of this unique local asset.”
Contractors Connell Brothers Ltd are working closely with council project managers to minimise disruption immediately around the demolition site.
Connell Brothers Ltd were previously involved in demolishing the former St Margaret’s Baths, and the former Leicester City Football Club at Filbert Street.
Steve Balyski, of Connell Brothers Ltd, added: “With the start of a new year and a new high-profile project, we are looking forward to working with the project team at Leicester City Council in assisting with the regeneration of the former Leicester Market Hall site.
“We look forward to embarking on this challenging project.”
