Factory once named Nottingham's ugliest building has almost been completely demolished

Demolition work on Nottingham's old Imperial Tobacco building is nearing completion, new pictures from the site show.

Few parts of the Horizon Factory, once named the city's "ugliest building", are now visible as developers prepare to create a new industrial centre on the Thane Road site.

The building used to be one of the first sights of Nottingham for commuters travelling from the west of the city, but it was sold to Henry Boot Developments in 2017 after production moved overseas.

Work to separate the old factory and its distribution centre was completed in May and the continued demolition is "progressing well", with construction on the "New Horizon" development due to begin next year.

Justin Sheldon, regional manager at Henry Boot Developments, said: "Work at New Horizon is progressing well, with demolition nearing completion. The scheme will accommodate a variety of employment uses, with buildings available from 50,000 sq ft through to 475,000 sq ft.

"We have seen strong interest from potential occupiers and discussions are continuing with a number of businesses, which would see construction of new buildings commence in 2020. 

"We’re pleased to have the opportunity to regenerate the site, which will see hundreds of new jobs return to Thane Road."

Henry Boot remains tight-lipped on the companies which have expressed an interest in the site, but it has previously been confirmed a car showroom will also be created on the site.

The new development itself will cover 28 acres and create an estimated 500 jobs.

A view of the on-going demolition of the former Imperial Tobacco factory in Thane Road, Nottingham. (Joseph Raynor/ Nottingham Post)

Nottingham City Council gave outline permission for the project last November and part of the old site, the retained distribution centre, will remain in place as it is still used by the tobacco company.

Improvements will be made to the centre as part of the overall project.

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