Work is beginning on the final phase of the former Hippodrome demolition with pickers now beginning to demolish the façade.
Demolition has already been undertaken to the rear and sides of the building, with pickers and cranes taking it apart from the centre outwards. The demolition of the façade began mid-week with large scale protective shields and water sprays to control any dust. Demolition is expected to take around four months. Once demolition work is complete then the build of a new £25million university campus will begin in early 2024. Worcester University will be delivering its outstanding programmes centred around health care and allied professions, including nursing, midwifery, paramedic science and related health occupations from the new Dudley site which is set to open in September 2025.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said:
"This is the final significant stage in the demolition process. Once the frontage is down we will really begin to see a difference to the Dudley skyline and be able to visualise the new university building which will take its place.
"This is an exciting stage of the project and an exciting time for Dudley as we move from the past to a brand new future."
The project is being spearheaded by Dudley Council and Dudley College of Technology, both key members of the Dudley Towns Fund Board who were successful in bidding for £25m from the government’s £178.7 million Towns Fund. The board’s members also include The University of Worcester, Dudley central tourist attractions and other key organisations in Dudley.