THE demolition of the fire-damaged Northwich Outdoor Market building is set to begin next week.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed that work to clear the site will start on Monday, June 29 and will last for a period of around six weeks.

The works will be undertaken on behalf of the council by Cawarden Demolition Ltd and will involve the full demolition of the remaining structure and site clearance.

The building was partially demolished as firefighters tackled the blaze on January 3 to allow access to potential hotspots.

Once the demolition work is complete, the council says that it will be undertaking some improvement works on the site.

The designs for this are currently still ongoing and further details are due to be released once they have been finalised.

Both the indoor and outdoor markets form part of the Weaver Square masterplan, which is still being developed.

The council also says that it will be engaging with both businesses and residents once it is in a position to do so and safe methods of engagement can be identified.

This will also help shape the medium and long-term options for the covered market site.

Cllr Richard Beacham, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and growth, said: “I am pleased that we are now able to share our programme of works for the removal of the damaged market building, which is a sad reminder of the events that took place in January.

“We understand that it has continued to be a stressful time for traders and businesses during the pandemic and we will continue to make progress in supporting Northwich to get back up and running after the lockdown.”