COUNCIL bosses have awarded a Warwickshire-based company the contract to demolish the former Wyre Forest Glades Leisure Centre.

AR Demolition was awarded the contract to demolish the vacant leisure centre building, in Bromsgrove Street, following a successful procurement process.

More than 20 bids were submitted to Wyre Forest District Council as part of the legal tendering process. All bids were independently evaluated by Savills on behalf of the district council, with AR Demolition’s scoring the highest.

Wyre Forest District Council is now completing legalities to formally appoint them as the contractor to undertake the demolition, so work can start on the site as soon as possible.

Last month, the Shuttle reported that an application had been made to the district council to demolish the site and the application stated the expected date for the beginning of the work was December 2016, and it is expected to be completed by May 2017.

Councillor Ian Hardiman, cabinet member for planning and regeneration, said: “We have run a very competitive tender process which resulted in 20 tender submissions being made.

“With such a competitive process we can guarantee that the residents of the district have got the best value for money possible.”

Cllr Hardiman added: “We will be working quickly now to complete the paperwork to formally appoint AR Demolition and hope to see them on site very shortly.

“At the same time, we will continue to work with our consultants, Savills, to promote the site as an exciting redevelopment opportunity.”

The Glades officially closed its doors for the final time in July, following 30-years of service, to pave the way for the new multi-million pound Wyre Forest Leisure Centre.

Since its closure, it has been a target for vandalism, arson attacks and trespassers.