Workers are moving on site at Cavendish House – with the demolition of the town centre eyesore finally set to take place in the next few weeks.

An agreement to push ahead with demolition works was signed and ratified by developer Avenbury and the West Midlands Combined Authority earlier this week. A compound is being set up on site and diggers are on the way – as council bosses revealed demolition would start early next month.

As well as Cavendish House, a number of other surrounding buildings are to be knocked down. They include the former B&Q building, the former Rickshaw restaurant, a taxi office, a disused scout hut and the former Metro Bar pub. Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said:

"I am absolutely delighted that the end is now in sight for Cavendish House. It has been a blot on the skyline of the town centre for far too long but today’s news is a symbol of the recovery and resurgence of Dudley.

"Within weeks the building will finally come down and work will start on another exciting development for the borough. We plan to invest more than £700 million in the town centre over the next five years.

"Along with the new bus and tram interchange, and the proposed Metro extension from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill which will run through Dudley, it promises an exciting future."

The demolition will pave the way for an exciting £82 million retail and leisure development in Dudley town centre which could include shops, restaurants, bars, offices and homes on the land.