A CONTRACTOR will begin the final phase of the Time Square regeneration project next month after signing a £69.2 million deal with the council.

The council has appointed Vinci Construction UK for phase four of the town centre scheme.

The 123-week contract includes the demolition of existing buildings and construction of a Cineworld multiplex cinema, retail and restaurant units, council offices and permanent market hall.

A revised planning application has been submitted, with demolition work expected to be completed over 16 weeks.

The former Boots building will be demolished, although the grade II listed facade on the site will be preserved and incorporated into the new market building, serving as one of its entrances.

With regards to the demolition work, the application states: “Structures will be demolished in a sequenced systematic order using a high reach excavator fitted with a hydraulic pulveriser, supported by heavy duty demolition excavators.

“The building will be demolished in a ‘top down’ sequence.

“The demolition will be carried out progressively by removal of the roof, sub-structure and finally the vertical columns, ensuring the stability of all remaining structures.”

Planning documents confirmed phase four of the masterplan is due to start on September 4.

It is anticipated to finish by the end of 2019.

Work started on the construction of Time Square in 2015.

It has been driven by Warrington & Co on behalf of the council, with development partner Muse.

In May it was confirmed costs to complete the planned £107 million Time Square regeneration scheme have increased as a result of ‘current global trading conditions’.

All activities on site that may impact on the environment, or are relevant to the management of environmental issues, will be controlled by the implementation of procedures and method statements.

Workers will need to have a task briefing prior to starting work.

Vinci is holding a ‘meet the buyer’ event at The Halliwell Jones Stadium at 8am on September 4.