The wrecking balls are finally moving in.
A major milestone has been reached in plans to transform the former Richard Herrod Centre site in Carlton, with demolition work set to get underway this week.
Contractors began the demolition works today (29). The work is expected to take around 12 weeks, although timings could change depending on conditions on site.
Alliance Leisure, which is managing the development on behalf of Gedling Borough Council, has appointed Universal Civils and Build to carry out the demolition.
Residents living nearby should prepare for an increase in construction traffic and noise while the work is underway. However, the contractor says measures will be in place to reduce disruption, including dust suppression systems, noise and vibration monitoring and traffic management controls.
People living close to the site will receive letters explaining the programme of works, while members of the project team are also expected to visit neighbouring properties to answer questions and provide updates.
The demolition represents the biggest visible step yet towards the proposed Carlton Active leisure centre, which is earmarked for the site.
Fresh designs for the facility have also been unveiled following public feedback. The revised plans feature additional glazing on the front of the building, creating a brighter, more open look and allowing people outside to see activity taking place inside.
A planning application for Carlton Active is expected to go before councillors later this autumn.
While the project is progressing, residents may still have to wait some time before the new leisure centre becomes a reality. Key stages including planning approval, detailed design work, funding arrangements and further council sign-off still need to be completed before construction can begin, meaning no opening date has yet been confirmed.
Councillor Henry Wheeler, Gedling Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Lifestyles, Health and Wellbeing, said: “Completing the demolition arrangements is another important step forward for the site. Over the coming weeks, residents will begin to see more visible activity as the demolition progresses.
“There is still work to be completed before we reach the construction stage for Carlton Active, but we will continue to keep residents informed as the project moves through its next stages.”
