After around a two week delay to getting underway, Bradford-based demolition firm Gill had workmen in last week to remove some materials from the building, before the major works began yesterday.

Guildhall ward councillor Brian Watson said:

"This is a crying shame for a perfectly good building that could have been put to positive short-term use while the long term future of the site is sorted out. But instead, like the site behind it, this site will probably sit as a pile of compacted rubble for the next who knows how long.

"It could have easily accommodated backpackers or children on school trips in the short-term, until its future is confirmed. I think the outlay on the demolition of this site at this stage is not taxpayer money well spent, while at the same time we are still awaiting the clearance of splash palace at the bottom of Parliament Street. That represents a much greater need when considering value to the city and the improvement of public space.

"The Silver Street toilets opened last year and the council seems to be no further on with doing something about the Parliament Street building. I hope it doesn't sit empty for years into the future in the way the Barbican has".