VIDEO: New views opening up in Rotherham town centre as Wilko is completely reduced to rubble

The former Wilko site with Forge Island cranes in the background

VIEWS over Forge Island in Rotherham town centre were opened up this week as the demolition of a long-standing shop was completed.

The site where Wilko used to stand is now a large hole in the ground as diggers continue to clear the site.

Demolition work started in January, with Rotherham Council saying it was needed to prevent it from becoming long-term empty premises.

[xdelx]

DIY and homewares chain Wilko closed the store in June last year.

Its demolition now gives clear views over the River Don to Forge Island, where cranes were at work this week (below) on preliminary work for the leisure complex aimed at being the flagship for the town centre regeneration.

The council has said the materials from the building will be recycled and reused in other projects across the UK, while the site itself will be paved and landscaped as part of a riverside park.

[xdelx]