Snooty Fox pub in Wakefield has been demolished

The former Snooty Fox pub is being razed alongside former Wakefield Council office block Chantry House with a long term plan to build homes on the site.

Work to pull down the office is set to begin in less than two weeks’ time with work due to be completed by May.

The council said the demolition would clear the way for up to 80 city centre homes if planning permission is granted.

The work that will begin this month will involve stripping the inside of Chantry House. Work to demolish the outer shell is set to take place in March.

The former council tax and highways building - which has been empty since 2006 - is widely considered to be an eyesore by residents and businesses who say it gives a poor impression of one of the main routes into the city centre.

Coun Darren Byford, cabinet member for economic growth and regeneration at Wakefield Council, said: “It’s great news that work is underway for the next stage of regeneration of Kirkgate, which is a key gateway to the city centre.

“We are seeing great progress, with the Snooty Fox currently being demolished, and preparatory work is underway at Chantry House.

“It is an exciting time for this part of the city as we are in discussions with developers about opportunities that could be developed on this site, which would support our longer term economic strategy of achieving prosperity and growth for our district.”

Once the internal work has been completed on Chantry House it is anticipated the shell of the building will be ready for the final demolition in March.

The process is expected to take two months to complete.