An empty building at City Business Park looks set to be demolished and a study carried out to look at constructing a new block within the successful business park in Stoke.
The former computer complex was vacated last summer following further deterioration of roof panels containing asbestos. Now the go-ahead has been given for the former computer complex to be demolished - although the COVID-19 lockdown means the Council is not yet in a position to say when work will start.
A decision is being signed off authorising the demolition and to procure a contractor to carry out the work. Plans are also in the pipeline to build a new block elsewhere on the business park.
Council leader Tudor Evans said: “It became clear that given the age of the block - which we think were built in the 1950s - and the presence of asbestos, it was more cost-effective in the long run to demolish entirely and look to build something new.
“The lockdown has clearly created an issue for us, but we can still keep our processes moving, so that when the lockdown is lifted we can crack on.”
Once a contractor is confirmed, the project team will work with park staff to ensure that there is as little interruption as possible to their daily business, however as a compound is being set up, there are likely to be some parking restrictions. Visitor parking will still be available at the front of the building.
The team will be in touch with the nearby school and residents to provide more information about the project and any impact on traffic movements.
There are currently over 100 businesses at City Business Park and 16 based in the Computer Complex were relocated last summer. Most have remained within the business park.