Warwickshire County Council has addressed the persistent delays affecting the Nuneaton town centre regeneration project. Six months have passed since the planned start of demolition work on Bridge Street properties. The structures remain surrounded by green hoarding with no heavy machinery visible at the location.

After failing to meet the October target, the authority stated they expected to start work on Bridge Street by mid-March. That deadline was also missed, with officials indicating they were awaiting completion of survey work.

Journalists from the publication contacted the council for an update. An official said demolition commencement confirmation should arrive within the coming weeks, but declined to provide specific dates.

Two separate planning applications were necessary because part of the site falls within the Conservation zone, requiring additional assessment and environmental impact studies, which have now concluded, the official explained. Final designs and budget allocations for the finished scheme are being processed, while internal stripping-out has been completed. Contractors will return shortly to demolish the main building.

The delayed demolition forms part of the established Bridge to Living initiative, which aims to open up the location towards the George Eliot Memorial gardens and River Anker corridor.

By contrast, the Justice Walk scheme managed by Warwickshire County Council further along the same street is advancing as planned. The first phase has involved clearing the former Wilkos, Powell House and Royal Mail buildings, with the Justice Walk car park having been shut. This precedes the next stage involving a new library and commercial building.

Separately, work has begun on transforming the former Debenham’s store, which partly occupies Bridge Street.