Demolition of the former market hall to begin next week

The demolition of the former Top Town Market will begin next week (from 28 April). This is the first part of the demolition phase of works for the Freshney Place leisure scheme.

Since the project started on the ground earlier this year, lots of work has been going on in the old market hall. The asbestos has been removed, along with the suspended ceiling and much of the mechanical and electrical equipment. All waste has been separated into streams for recycling.

Core samples have been taken from the floor so that the team can analyse the make up of the ground to inform the construction work in the coming months.

Additionally, eight archaeological trenches have been dug to check what is underneath the market hall in various areas.

Dave Fish, GMI’s Project Manager. “Given the construction of the market hall and developments in this space over the years, we didn’t expect for there to be any significant remains, however, we needed to check this out. The only item we found in the trenches was an oyster shell, not unusual in this part of the country.”

“The work is going really well,” continued Dave. “We’ve completed the soft strip of the Market Hall and we’re starting the main demolition on Monday.”

Once demolition begins, it will slowly work inwards through the site in a controlled manner between the structural beams and pillars.

The demolition will be carried out during the daytime using specialist equipment to nibble away the building.

Progress photos for the work will be available from www.nelincs.gov.uk/building-our-future.