THE demolition of a well-known Teesside high rise is underway.

Middlesbrough's crumbling Portland House, at Brambles Farm, is being knocked down to make way for future development.

Thirteen has handed the building over to demolition contractors, and the gradual deconstruction of the flats has started.

A soft-strop of fixtures and fittings is underway, before mechanical demolition excavators arrive on site, using a high reach machine with a pulveriser attachment.

This will reduce the height of the building to four to five storeys, at which point a smaller excavator will be employed to clear the site. It is estimated that, subject to a smooth process, the deconstruction works will continue until December.

Thirteen expects to shortly announce that the second of its planned demolition sites, Milford House, will also be handed over to O’brien Demolition, the Tyne and Wear-based contractors who will carry out the work.

Sharon Thomas, director of new homes delivery at Thirteen, said: “After a long period of planning and positively supporting our customers in Portland House to ensure they found suitable new homes, we’re pleased the project is moving on to its next phase.

“Although the demolition was put on hold due to restrictions because of the global pandemic, our colleagues and contractors will be following appropriate social distancing measures when back on site to ensure that all work is carried out in accordance with health and safety requirements.”

Plans are currently being drawn for the future development of the site when demolition has been completed.