Clearing the way to start building on former Castleworks site in Stafford

West Midlands-based developer St Modwen has brought in specialist company East Midlands Demolition to carry out the work, which will see almost 200,000 sq ft of obsolete industrial buildings that have been the subject of vandalism and trespassing will be razed to the ground.

St Modwen says the work will create "a much safer environment in anticipation of future development at the site".

St Modwen was granted outline planning consent in November for the site, a former locomotive works off Castle Street, which could see the creation of up to 80 new homes alongside new public works including community open space and improvements to footpaths and cycle routes.

David Dodge, senior residential development surveyor at St Modwen, said: "We're really pleased to be able to move forward with demolishing the industrial buildings at the Castleworks site in Stafford.

"The area has stood vacant for some considerable time and as such has become a magnet for vandalism and trespassing. By carrying out these essential works, we are making safe the area by the removal of buildings that have exceeded their life span and that pose a threat to anyone unlawfully entering the site.

"We have secured outline planning consent on the site already and following the completion of the demolition we intend to submit a detailed planning application in partnership with a national housebuilder.

St Modwen, which recently completed its £50 million transformation of Hednesford town centre, is also starting work on the Pye Green site north of the town which could involve up to 700 homes.

One of the UK's leading regeneration specialists, St Modwen's national portfolio includes the £2 billion regeneration of New Covent Garden Market and the £1 billion transformation of Longbridge.