An eyesore town centre building has been torn down, paving the way for new social homes to be built.

The long-derelict structure at 20 Victoria Street in Dovercourt has now been levelled by contractors SRC Group, who were working on behalf of Tendring District Council (TDC).

The site will eventually be used for new social housing, with parking for residents to be built on another derelict site across the street. Designs for the homes are inspired by the Victoria Hotel, which stood proudly on the site before being destroyed by a fire more than two decades ago.

Emma Twine, Project Delivery Unit Manager at TDC said: “This project is vital to the regeneration of Dovercourt town centre and moves us a step closer to building these new social homes.

“We know residents have waited a long time to see action on this site, and I’d like to thank them for their patience while demolition was ongoing.

“The team at SRC Group have done a great job completing a complex demolition project and leaving the site safe and secure.”

A drop-in event where residents and businesses can ask questions about the regeneration of Dovercourt town centre is being held at the library on Tuesday, 14 April between 3pm and 7pm.

For more information about regeneration in Dovercourt click here.