WATCH: Birmingham Central Library demolition - in 90 seconds

The library, which has stood in the city centre for four decades, has been knocked down as part of a £500 million revamp.

It was once the cultural centre of the Second City, but has been torn apart by a legion of machines.

The video speeds up the eight-month demolition of the iconic structure into a matter of minutes, showing how drastically its disappearance has changed the city skyline.

It shows how the structure was bulldozed from the top down – then split into two before finally being entirely razed to the ground.

Workers from Birmingham-based demolition specialist DSM were tasked with the major overhaul of the land.

Machinery had to smash through layers of concrete at the site over Paradise Circus, which has forced road and route closures.

The work disrupted last year's Christmas German and craft market events in the city after the route for people to walk between both was closed due to the works.

Office buildings, a hotel and open air walkways will be created on the area currently occupied by Central Library, Adrian Boult Hall and the Copthorne Hotel.

Motorists have faced severe delays in and around the city centre as traffic has been re-routed around Paradise Circus island.

Construction work on the first of the new office blocks is expected to begin imminently.

The first two buildings to be built will be completed during 2018 will be called One and Two Chamberlain Square. This will total more than 350,000 sq ft of office space. The redevelopment is a joint venture between Birmingham City Council and Hermes Real Estate and Argent is managing the design and delivery of the site.

English Heritage put in a bid to have Birmingham Central Library, which opened in 1974, awarded listed status in 2009.

The Central Library shut after the new £188m Library of Birmingham opened in 2013.