Armoury awarded town centre demolition brief

DEMOLITION firm the Armoury Group has been appointed by a south-east council to kick off a major regeneration project.

The Birmingham-based company will demolish two buildings to make way for a revamp of Basingstoke’s primary town centre business hub, known as Basing View.

The work is part of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s plans to turn the central office location into a new multi-million pound, modern urban business centre.

Armoury’s clearance of two vacant 1970s 10-storey office blocks, totaling 140,000 sq ft, will mark the first phase of demolition on the project with completion anticipated in January 2011.

Armoury Group MD Tony McLean said: “The initial phase will see Armoury remove two obsolete buildings which are vandalised and in major disrepair.

“These office blocks symbolise the urgent need for regeneration in this area.

“Armoury has vast experience of demolishing multi-storey buildings of this type, and will be using the latest advanced demolition techniques, including floor by floor work down and high reach machines, to complete it. We are delighted to be involved in such a flagship project.”

The council’s property chief Cllr James Lewin added: “The demolition of City Wall and Loddon House will be a milestone in Basing View’s history and signal the start of an exciting period of change, improvement and redevelopment.

“We have a clear vision for the area that will not only transform Basing View as a business park and secure the economic growth of the town, but will also enhance the town’s overall image and reputation.”