LAST week marked the end of an era as work to demolish the much-loved Wyre Forest Glades Leisure Centre began.

Shuttle reader Richard Lycett captured this image from the skies with his drone camera after AR Demoltion began work to demolish the vacant leisure centre building, in Bromsgrove Street.

Work started at the site on Monday, January 23, but Wyre Forest District Council chiefs hailed the work as an "important stage" in their plans to redevelop the eastern part of Kidderminster town centre. 

The Wyre Forest Glades Leisure Centre was opened by Princess Diana in 1986 and closed its doors for the final time in July 2016 - following 30-years of service. It paved the way for the new multi-million pound Wyre Forest Leisure Centre.

Shuttle reader Glyn Lloyd captured the footage as AR Demolition began demolishing the vacant leisure centre building.

Councillor Ian Hardiman, cabinet member of planning and economic regeneration, said: "We have already begun to market the former Glades site, which has been re-branded as Lion Fields, through our retained agents Savills and we have received a healthy response to the initial Expression of Interest stage.

"By demolishing the Glades we are offering a more attractive site for the development market and this will help the redevelopment to occur at a quicker pace.

"Further discussion regarding the disposal of this important first phase of Lion Fields, which is considered to be a catalyst for the wider development of this area, is due to be considered by the district council’s overview and scrutiny committee and cabinet in February."