A ceremony held last week has officially signalled the start of structural demolition at The Priory Centre, forming a key part of the £20 million redevelopment of the Priory Shopping Centre on Bridge Street in Worksop.

The project is being led by Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson for Bassetlaw District Council and has been procured via The Medium Works Framework, which Pagabo manages on behalf of The Education Alliance.

The event brought together representatives from the council, including the Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, Cllr Julie Leigh, alongside G F Tomlinson, project managers Beyond Consult and managing agent S80, to mark the launch of the main phase of works.

Enabling activities began on site in February 2026, including isolating building services, soft stripping internal areas and erecting scaffolding to sections earmarked for demolition. Site safety hoardings have been installed to cordon off part of the car park between the entrance road and the service ramp, separating construction areas from the public.

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The next stage involves safely removing the building’s structural elements using a high-reach demolition excavator, while the two elevations near the access road and service ramp will be carefully dismantled by hand separation. Demolition is scheduled to be completed in May 2026.

Given its position within the historic market town of Worksop and the proximity to operating retail units, homes and key access routes, the scheme presents notable logistical challenges. The primary demolition activity is focused to the rear of the building, adjacent to the main thoroughfare serving the principal parking area and service delivery routes.

Throughout the works, stores within the Priory Centre will continue trading as normal, and pedestrian access through the centre will be maintained to keep routes open between the car park, Bridge Place and Ryton Street. Bassetlaw District Council bought the site in 2023, with most of the £20 million redevelopment funded through the previous government's Levelling Up Fund. The project aims to boost footfall, strengthen the town centre offer and deliver a renewed leisure and retail destination for Worksop.

Andy Sewards, Chairman of G F Tomlinson, said: "We are proud to be working in partnership with Bassetlaw District Council to deliver this landmark regeneration scheme for Worksop. The start of structural demolition marks a significant milestone for The Priory Centre and demonstrates real progress following a detailed pre-construction period.

"Our team has worked closely with the Council and stakeholders to carefully plan the works, particularly given the logistical challenges of operating within a busy town centre environment, adjacent to live businesses and residential areas. We look forward to progressing the redevelopment and creating a vibrant new destination that will serve the community for years to come."