Demolition of empty Overgate office block pushed back again

Ten-storey-high City House, which rises above the current Overgate Shopping Centre to which it is attached, has been empty since May 2018 after the only remaining tenants, pension company Curtis Banks, moved out from the 10th floor.

Built at the same time as the Overgate in the 1960s, it survived the partial demolition of the original centre in 1998 when it was overhauled as part of a £150 million refurbishment.

The latest plan for it originally scheduled partial demolition to be carried out last summer.

The plan, devised by real estate consultants CBRE, which would have seen the block lowered to only three floors, was shelved while owners Legal & General Property ascertained the costs involved.

The company had taken the decision to knock it down despite having bought the building and the Overgate for £125 million in 2014.

The move was driven by a lack of interest in office space in the 50-year old building.

Despite active marketing of the office space over the last five years, L&G say there has been “little to no demand” meaning it has remained largely vacant.

One year on from the expected demolition, bosses say they are still trying to put together a viable plan.

Overgate centre manager Malcolm Angus told the local Courier newspaper: “Due to current market influences the project was put on hold last year.

“However, Overgate has completed a ‘re-engagement’ meeting with all associated contractors with a view to driving the project forward over the coming months.

“We are now in the process of tendering the project to ascertain exact costs for the demolition.

“Our current building warrant expires in November 2020 and the client is keen for all associated works to be completed before this deadline.”

In the original planning application, CBRE said removing the building would enhance the appearance of the shopping centre and wider city centre as it has “limited architectural interest”