Demolition works have started on £500 million residential scheme in London.

The Westferry Printworks scheme will see 700 new private and affordable homes built on a 15-acre site in London's Docklands.

The project owner, Northern & Shell, commenced demolition works with development manager Mace on Monday, 13 February.

Features of the scheme includes open spaces and waterside walks, two new parks and a new south facing dockside waterfront promenade. In addition, a mix of independent, restaurants, bars and shops will be built, along with sporting facilities, a new community centre and crèche, healthcare amenities, a cultural 'hub' and a new 1,200 space secondary school.

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Richard Desmond, owner of Northern & Shell, said: "My company, Northern & Shell, was the first owner, developer and occupier in 1982 in London Docklands and we moved our publishing business and headquarters there. This helped our small business then to expand and we have been proud to be associated with the regeneration of London Docklands for 35 years.

"This connection was reinforced with our acquisition of the Express Newspapers group in 2000 together with its ground breaking printing operation – Westferry Printworks which provided hundreds of jobs for the people of Docklands and the surrounding area.

"I am therefore delighted to be implementing our vision for the next generation of Docklands residents with our new neighbourhood here in the centre of London's Docklands, just minutes from Canary Wharf."

(LM/MH)