Demolition of dilapidated buildings will take place to prepare for a £100m revamp of a former brewery site in Lancaster.
Marco Living and Axis-RE (on behalf of Lanmara Developments Ltd) said they are "taking essential safety measures at the Brewery Lane site, beginning with the removal of structurally dangerous buildings".
They said this was "part of our commitment to delivering transformational regeneration for Lancaster city centre".
Marco Living and Axis-RE announced in June they had completed the purchase of the three acre former Mitchell's Brewery site.
They said they want to deliver a £100m "vibrant, commercial-led mixed-use" scheme on the land within three to five years, as part of the long-awaited Canal Quarter scheme.
A spokesperson for Axis-RE said demolition would take place "in accordance with the Building Act and having liaised fully with the local authority (Lancaster City Council).
Below, an aerial view of the site (bounded by red) with the wider Canal Quarter site bounded by green
"This essential first step prioritises public safety while enabling the delivery of our wider community-focused development strategy for Lancaster," they said.
"After decades of abandonment, these buildings have become dangerous with frequent break-ins and structural problems that pose risks to public safety and the surrounding community. The buildings have deteriorated to a severely dilapidated state, with compromised structural integrity, ongoing security issues from unauthorised access, and anti-social behaviour that impacts local residents and businesses.
"All demolition work is being carried out to the highest safety standards with full consideration for neighbouring properties and public safety. We are working closely with specialist contractors and following all necessary regulatory procedures.
"We are only removing buildings that pose genuine safety risks, preserving and reusing heritage elements wherever possible. No listed buildings are being removed.
"This demolition is a crucial component of our broader regeneration strategy, which will transform this prominent site into a vibrant mixed-use destination, delivering significant economic and social benefits for Lancaster.
"We are committed to working with contractors from Lancaster and surrounding areas, prioritising local employment opportunities wherever possible throughout the project.
"All demolition work is being conducted with full consideration for environmental impact, including proper waste management and recycling protocols.
"This work represents the crucial first step in realising our vision for the Canal Quarter Masterplan. The development will deliver significant benefits for Lancaster: much-needed housing for Lancaster residents; healthcare facilities; leisure and community amenities working alongside existing cultural assets; economic opportunities and local employment throughout construction and operation; enhanced connectivity and public spaces that will benefit the wider community; and sustainable construction and innovative design principles.
"This initial safety work is expected to take approximately 10-12 weeks, with regular updates provided throughout the process.
"We understand that any construction activity impacts the local community, and we are committed to minimising disruption while maintaining open communication throughout the process. We will continue to share regular updates on progress and timelines through multiple channels, including our website, local media, and direct community engagement."
A planning application has been submitted to Lancaster City Council for "relevant demolition of existing buildings and associated vegetation clearance" at the Canal Quarter Central site on land to the west of Brewery Lane.
Marco Living and Axis-RE acquired Lanmara Developments Ltd which owns the three-acre Brewery Lane site.
Axis-RE is a North West property development company known for tackling complex regeneration challenges. Co-founder Russ Worthington was born and raised in Lancaster and continues to live locally.
In 2023, Lancaster City Council formally adopted a masterplan to revive the Canal Quarter area of the city.
The aim of the masterplan is to bring back into use many of Lancaster’s important buildings and derelict sites across 6.5 hectares of land, to "create a vibrant, sustainable, and active place which is integrated with the city centre and the Lancaster Canal", said the council.
The idea is to create a new sustainable mixed-use neighbourhood with approximately 580 new homes for families and individuals.
The masterplan includes "safe pedestrian and cycle friendly streets" with new pedestrian access to Lancaster Canal.
Space has also been set aside for business, retail, food and beverage outlets to complement what's currently in the city centre.
The masterplan also includes two new public squares to provide "lively social spaces" for events along a new Brewery Street.
A planning application to build 39 new homes on the Nelson Street car park, as part of the Canal Quarter plans, was submitted in June.
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