WORK to partially demolish county buildings in Crawley is scheduled to start soon.

The project is part of the One Public Estate initiative, with the county council seeking to secure the long-term redevelopment of the site in Exchange Road.

It is hoped that the partial demolition will make it "a more attractive proposition."

DDS Demolition Limited is due to start installing hoardings and setting up the site from the beginning of March and the demolition works will follow with a 12-week programme soon afterwards.

Michael Hennessy, DDS Group operations manager, said: “DDS Demolition are proud to be awarded the demolition contract for Crawley county buildings following a competitive tender.

“We look forward to delivering a safe and successful project within such a forward-thinking community, while working closely with our valued client.”

The Argus: The plan is to partially demolish the County Buildings siteThe plan is to partially demolish the County Buildings site

The partial demolition will not affect the Magistrates’ Courts and Centenary House, which will remain and host the West Sussex Coroner’s Court, a FindItOut Centre and Change, Grow, Live services, which will continue to operate from the building.

A dedicated web page, giving details, together with a link to FAQs, is available online.

Bob Lanzer, West Sussex County Council cabinet member for economy, said: “I am pleased this work is scheduled to start soon.

"The partial demolition and redevelopment of the county buildings site in Exchange Road is critical to demonstrating progress in the One Public Estate Programme (OPE) and with the wider regeneration of Crawley town centre.”