WORK to demolish the remains of what was once one of Bradford’s most popular shops has stepped up this week.

Marks & Spencer on Darley Street shut when the retail giant moved into the Broadway Shopping Centre in 2015.

After years of standing empty, the building, and neighbouring empty buildings, are being demolished to make way for the new Darley Street Market.

From Darley Street the building is covered in scaffolding, but appears in tact.

However, anyone walking down Piccadilly - the rear of the building, will see that a huge chunk of the department store has been pulled down, exposing the buildings’ insides.

Originally the demolition was due to be completed this year, but Bradford Council has new revealed that it will spill into 2022 - with an expected completion date of February.

After the site is cleared, work will start on building the multi storey market.

Video shows planned Marks & Spencer demolition and Darley Street Market development

A socially distanced event to celebrate the official commencement of the demolition works took place on Thursday.

Bradford Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw was in attendance to play a part in the demolition process, controlling one of the high reach excavator machines.

Work is being carried out by contractors Kier.

Darley Street Market will replace the existing city centre markets - Oastler and Kirkgate Market, which will close once the new centre opens in 2023. It will have three floors of non-food, fresh food and hot food and drink, as well as day and evening entertainment.

Cllr Ross-Shaw said: “It was exciting to be involved in this formative moment in the development of the new market, helping to clear the disused and run-down buildings. With construction now in full swing we can begin to envisage the regeneration of the area and how it will positively impact Bradford, helping it become a key destination in the city centre.

“As we start to see restrictions lift, we feel positive that the markets’ redevelopment will both support existing and new traders and improve public spaces for the whole city to enjoy.”

Darley Street Market will trade into the evening, with the hot food offer following an independent, street food style concept. A new market square next to the building will host commercial, leisure and community events throughout the year.

Dan Doherty, regional director from Kier said: “We are delighted to have reached this milestone and commenced the demolition works which marks the commencement of Darley Street Markets project. There is a significant moment for us at Kier, but more importantly for the Bradford community.”