Demolition work is underway at a former County Durham shopping centre as part of a multi-million pound redevelopment scheme.
The former Kwik Save supermarket at Festival Walk in Spennymoor will be transformed into a new car park and a larger Aldi supermarket to replace the town's current store.
The redevelopment of Festival Walk has benefited from a £600,000 investment from Durham County Council’s Towns and Villages programme.
The council says it is committed to spending on local regeneration proposals as part of overall aims to enhance town centres as well as village and suburban local centres.
And it is hoped that the town centre transformation will help attract more shoppers and businesses to County Durham.
North East-based Hellens Group is leading the regeneration of Festival Walk and MGL Demolition is carrying out the demolition.
Once demolition is complete, Hellens Group will begin constructing the new public car park and refurbish the remaining units to provide a modern retail space.
This will be followed by the third phase of the scheme, which will further enhance the appearance of Spennymoor's Market Place.
Councillor Carl Marshall, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “The demolition of the former Kwik Save supermarket is a major milestone in the transformation of Spennymoor town centre and means we can finally say goodbye to Festival Walk.
"It also demonstrates our commitment to ensuring Spennymoor and other towns and villages across the county are vibrant and prosperous for generations to come.
“The people of Spennymoor have waited to see this development for many years but, unfortunately, with no private sector interest, this has been very difficult.
“The improvements underway in Spennymoor town centre will not only provide better facilities and a more pleasant environment for residents, but will reinstate the area’s reputation as a shopping destination, attracting more visitors, boosting the local economy and encouraging new retailers to invest in the town.”
Gavin Cordwell-Smith, chief executive of North East-based developer, Hellens Group, said: “Reaching this milestone in the demolition process moves us one step closer to delivering significant improvements which can be enjoyed by all residents of Spennymoor and the wider community."
It is expected that the new look Festival Walk will be ready to welcome shoppers, businesses and visitors by spring 2022.
