The wait is over as Dover District Council has secured full ownership of Burlington House today.

Dover's 12-storey office block in Townwall Street is set to be dismantled along with its neighbour County Hotel and the multi-storey car park behind it.

The ownership follows the compulsory purchase order approved by the Secretary of State for communities and local government on February 26.

Contractors DDS Demolition are establishing a compound in Russell Street and work to strip out the car park are set to start immediately.

They will also begin screening Burlington House in a scaffolding wrap and it will be made safe and stripped out internally before the removal of asbestos.

Physical demolition is expected to start by autumn.

The materials will be crushed in a "controlled manner" on the former Stagecoach site and the aim is to recycle 95% of materials.

The stripping out and demolition of the County Hotel, Dover Eurochange, the former Light of India restaurant and close-by premises is expected to start once the occupants vacate in early August.

Agreement has been reached with Bob McGregor, proprietor of Dover Eurochange, regarding the surrender of his lease.

The business is being retained in Dover with new premises at 122 Snargate Street due to open on Tuesday, July 28.

St James Street and St James Lane will be closed off to accommodate these works.

Part of Russell Street and Dolphin Lane, which have been approved for closure in due course, will become two-way for the time being to allow access to a number of premises, including Dolphin House.

Cllr Paul Watkins, leader of DDC, said: “This marks another major milestone towards our goal of rejuvenating the town centre.

"It’s been a long process and we know everyone is behind us in wanting to see Burlington House demolished as quickly as possible to make way for the exciting opportunities and jobs the St James’s development will bring to the town.”