Demolition underway at college
Demolition is in full swing at the landmark former Walsall College building as it is being bulldozed to make way for a new supermarket.
The nursery and Builders Arms pub on the site of the old Walsall College of Art and Technology complex have already been torn down, ahead of the creation of a giant Tesco store.
Workers are ripping out the interior of the main five-storey building in St Paul's Street and will shortly begin reducing the old engineering and electrical workshop to rubble.
Regeneration chiefs joined representatives from the supermarket on a visit to check progress at the property yesterday.
Corporate affairs manager for Tesco, Tony Fletcher said: "We are delighted with the progress being made at St Paul's Street.
"Tesco has worked closely with partners including Walsall Council, Walsall Regeneration Company and Walsall College as part of the Walsall First partnership to make this scheme a reality.
"Visible progress is now being made as we work to clear the site in preparation for the start of construction next year.
"The new store will give greater choice, improved facilities and a better overall shopping experience for residents, along with a significant number of jobs for local people."
Earlier this month Walsall Council's planning committee approved the latest planning application for the new store.
Outline planning permission was granted in December 2006 in a joint application with Walsall College for the new College Business and Learning Campus at Littleton Street, which opened to students this month.
The demolition is being carried out by Birmingham-based contractors DSM and will be completed in early 2010.
The new store is due to open in spring 2011.
