The North West section of the existing part-demolished shopping centre has been a local eyesore since redevelopment work stopped last March before former owner intu went into administration last summer.

The £86m revamp was being carried out by main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine with Coleman on board as demolition specialist.

Now after 12 months of inactivity on the site new owner Nottingham City Council has appointed Willmott Dixon under a £12m deal to demolish the remaining North West part of the former shopping centre.

Work will see the area from the NCP Arndale Car Park to the current covered right of way connecting Lister Gate and Collin Street demolished.

Nottingham City Council will also produce a new masterplan to transform the whole of the former Broadmarsh Centre alongside a new £4m open street between Lister Gate and Collin Street that Willmott Dixon will also deliver.

Councillor David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “The Broadmarsh Centre is one of the largest regeneration areas in any UK city, and presents us with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to renew our city centre and our city’s character.

“It makes sense to take this opportunity to start to demolish this part of the shopping centre now rather than try to modernise and rebuild it. This removes part of the barrier the shopping centre created in the city centre and will be far more welcoming to residents, visitors and workers coming in to Nottingham than the current ‘patio doors.’

“This first phase of demolition is the start of our plans to redevelop this area, opening up the city centre and extending the excellent new public open spaces being built on Sussex Street, Collin Street and Carrington Street.”

Nick Heath, director of delivery at Willmott Dixon’s Nottingham office, said: “Re-imaging the Broadmarsh space will be a critical factor in driving Nottingham’s growth for many years and we are delighted that our skills have been called in to play a part in this crucial next step.

“As a local business ourselves with an office close to the site, we’ll be ensuring that Nottingham-based businesses benefit from this work to create a bright new future for the city.”