AN ERA of sporting history is coming to an end, with work underway to demolish the former home of the legendary Durham Wasps ice hockey team.

The Wasps’ old rink, in Durham City, has stood idle since it was last used as a bowling alley in 2009. It is to be demolished to make way for 9,500sq metres of office space, a visitor centre and a cafe.

Durham County Council gave the go-ahead for the £27m Durham Riverside Renewal Project in March and work has now begun on site.

Workers are taking down the Bishop’s Mill building, which dates back to the 12th Century, including stripping slate roof tiles by hand.

The inside of the dilapidated former rink is also being cleared, ahead of demolition, which is expected to take place within days.

Project director Ian Beaumont said: “We are very pleased the site clearance programme is underway as it marks the first stage of the regeneration of this part of Durham’s riverside.

“Once the site is cleared we will start construction on the site during the summer, which will lead to the creation of a development that is not only more in keeping with its architectural surroundings, but also enhances the economic and social value of the area in terms of attracting new businesses and visitors to the city.”

The ice rink was established around 1940 by John “Icy” Smith, who served as mayor of both Durham and Darlington, and supported by members of the Canadian Air Force.

The Wasps were phenomenally successful in the 1980s and 1990s, winning the Premier League five times and many other honours.

The team was eventually bought by Sir John Hall and moved to Newcastle in 1996, when Durham’s rink closed.

The rink’s future has been contentious. In 2006, plans to build apartments on site were thrown out following a public inquiry. Hockey fans have also dreamt about restoring the Wasps’ glory days.

The site’s redevelopment will create or protect around 800 jobs. Phase one, a four-storey office block, will be occupied by about 400 National Savings and Investments workers, moving from nearby Milburngate House around 2015. Phase two, a five-storey block, is dependent on tenants being found.