The removal of the Beacon Centre clock tower in North Shields has begun as part of wider street improvements, local authority chiefs have confirmed.
The Beacon Centre will soon be without its famous clock tower as work begins to demolish it. According to planning documents from December last year, the demolition is expected to continue until February 28.
According to North Tyneside Council, the clock tower is now a “maintenance liability” and its removal is part of a scheme to improve Bedford Street.
A North Tyneside Council spokesperson said: “The clock tower is privately owned by the Beacon Centre. It has become a maintenance liability and we have agreed to remove it while carrying out the improvement works to Bedford Street.
“Bedford Street is getting smart new paving, mature trees and modern seating to create an attractive, high-quality shopping environment. The pedestrian area will be extended along the length of the street, with access for emergency and maintenance vehicles only. The new layout will improve safety and create extra outside space for café seating, other business use and events.”
The wider Bedford Street scheme has been funded by the North East Combined Authority, Active Travel England and the government.
Workers have begun to remove the roof slates on the canopy section of the structure and are set to take apart the timber supports. Following this, the steel frame will be dismantled.
Council planning documents state that there will not be work undertaken outside the hours of 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 2pm on Saturdays. No work is permitted on Sundays.
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