A DERELICT former medical centre has almost been fully ripped to the ground. 

Work to demolish the Friarsgate Medical Centre began at the start of October, with the potentially valuable internal fittings and fixtures being removed.

Diggers came in at the start of December and have been pulling the building down in stages. 

The centre will be replaced by an open space as a 'meanwhile use', as part of the larger Central Winchester Regeneration scheme which focuses on the area between the Broadway and Friarsgate.

Hampshire Chronicle: Former Friarsgate Medical Centre

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Cllr Martin Tod, leader of Winchester City Council, recently visited the site. He said: "This is another step forward in our plans to regenerate this part of the city – it’s great to see this progress."

A planning application for the demolition was permitted in May. The building has been empty since 2014.

Hampshire Chronicle: Former Friarsgate Medical CentreAn October Winchester City Council meeting heard that the demolition would be complete by Christmas. 

Only time will tell if they keep to that deadline.