The demolition of the former council offices in Weymouth has moved a step closer to completion.

Work began this week to start tearing down the front façade of the former North Quay offices - with a 50ft excavator getting to work.

Officially opened in 1971, the building was once home to the former Weymouth & Portland Borough Council. It has stood derelict since 2017 and the long overdue demolition process finally got underway in December 2023.

The plan for the demolition has involved stripping the interior of the building before a floor by floor demolition which will then see the mechanical grabbers push the structure inwards.

Dorset Echo: Excavators have started to bring down the front of the old office building at North Quay Excavators have started to bring down the front of the old office building at North Quay (Image: Andy Jones)

READ: North Quay building in Weymouth demolition plans revealed

Work commenced in the back corner of the building closest to the Town Bridge on Monday, December 18 and paused over Christmas before resuming in the new year. 

Dorset Council has confirmed that the front of the building is starting to be torn down, as of yesterday, and that the work remains on course to be completed in early February.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: "Demolition is going well and progressing as anticipated.

“The demolition is on schedule with the super structure being entirely demolished by Friday 2 February, all being well.

“The front façade has already started to being taken down as of Monday morning and will be progressively taken down, this is ongoing but exact days are not possible to give. Once the super structure is down, the ground floor slabs can be removed, and the building materials can be crushed.”

Dorset Echo: Th excavators have started from the corner nearest to Town Bridge Th excavators have started from the corner nearest to Town Bridge (Image: Andy Jones)

Once the building has completely come down and the materials have been crushed, a temporary car park will be put in place as a final decision on what will be built in its place has yet to be made.

The site has been earmarked for a share of a £19.5 million pound investment Dorset Council obtained through the government’s levelling up Fund, which is to be used to help develop several areas of Weymouth.

Previous plans included an attractive 72-home complex, along with commercial units, which was unveiled by the council in 2021.

Dorset Echo: The material will be crushed and recycled once the demolition is completeThe material will be crushed and recycled once the demolition is complete (Image: Andy Jones)

READ: North Quay open day sees people learn about Weymouth's past

Prior to the demolition getting underway an archaeological dig took place on the site.

During the excavation a former pub was discovered which showed signs of damage from bombing during World War Two, as well as a cannonball from the Civil War Era and medieval pottery.