Work has started to demolish a popular former nightclub in the centre of Middlesbrough.

SLAM nightclub will be flattened after the council’s executive unanimously voted for the building to go in May this year.

The demolition, which is being undertaken by Middlesbrough-based demolition contractors, A Buckler, began on August 15 and is expected to be completed within six weeks.

The disused venue has stood empty since 2016 and will cost the local authority £130,000 to flatten.

A further £105,000 will be spent on significant column repairs, needed due to water leaks, and traffic management on the A66 and Wilson Street during the work.

The Northern Echo: The Slam nightclub has been vacant for six years Picture: Northern EchoThe Slam nightclub has been vacant for six years Picture: Northern Echo

In 2017, the property was worth £300,000 but by 2021 it had plummetted to just £67,000.

Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston has previously said it is a good opportunity to open up Exchange Square, which has just been revamped using cash from the £640,000 High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) project – a joint scheme between the council and Historic England.

A spokesperson for A Buckler said: “Extreme care is being taken to demolish Slam due to the position of the building as it encompasses the columns holding up the A66.

“The works will be carried out using a combination of dismantling by hand and demolition by a small excavator.

The Northern Echo: Slam nightclub during demolitionSlam nightclub during demolition

"The roof of Slam is to be demolished by hand to create a safe gap between the building and the A66 flyover.

“Protection has been erected over the new Indian Stone wall in Exchange Square to prevent damage from possible falling debris.

"A temporary footpath closure will be in place when planters on Wilson Street are demolished.”

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