IT's the end of an era for Durham Bus Station as fresh pictures show how demolition has officially begun.
Ahead of a multi-million pound rebuild, contractors were this week seen tearing down the former seating area and ripping out the stands.
SEE MORE: Pictures of Durham Bus Station through the years as it prepares for demolition
It comes as the bus station was closed last month, with all buses diverted and temporary bus stops installed along North Road and Milburngate.
The bus station, which has remained on the same site for more than 100 years, is being completely flattened and replaced with a larger and more spacious "transport hub."
As work to clear the site began, Councillor Carl Marshall, cabinet member for economic regeneration at Durham County Council, said: “We’re delighted that plans are progressing well on creating this exciting new facility.
SEE MORE: What Durham City looked like on the first day of the bus station closure
"The demolition marks an important step forward on a project, which once completed, will be a huge improvement on the existing site.
“I would like to thank residents and visitors for their patience and understanding while the work is ongoing.
"The redevelopment of the current bus station into a state-of-the-art transport hub for County Durham will not only help support businesses in their recovery from the pandemic but also increase footfall into the city centre, supporting the city’s independent retailers, its hospitality sector, and its indoor and outdoor markets.”
Durham County Council has said the new bus station will offer increased toilet provision, increased seating and a bigger waiting area.
Work to clear the site is expected to take a few weeks with construction scheduled to begin immediately after, and completed by Summer 2022.
Durham County Councillor and City of Durham Parish Councillor Richard Ormerod previously said: "We've waited a long time for this to happen.
"Working with the council we managed to secure a green wall and solar panels. We will have a building which is safer, greener, more attractive and more user-friendly than the old one."
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