Ceremony marks start of structural demolition at The Priory Centre, Worksop

A ceremony held last week officially marked the start of structural demolition works at The Priory Centre, as part of the £20 million redevelopment of the Priory Shopping Centre on Bridge Street in Worksop.

The scheme is being delivered by Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, on behalf of Bassetlaw District Council, under The Medium Works Framework which Pagabo manage on behalf of The Education Alliance.

The ceremony brought together members of the council, including Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, Cllr Julie Leigh, G F Tomlinson, project managers – Beyond Consult and managing agent - S80, to celebrate the start of the major redevelopment. 

Enabling works began on site in February 2026, with the isolation of building services, soft strip of internal areas and erection of scaffolding to sections of the building set for demolition. Site safety hoarding has also been installed, sectioning off part of the car park between the entrance road and service ramp to separate the construction works from the general public.

The next phase includes the safe removal of the structural elements of the building using a high-reach demolition excavator, with the two elevations near the access road and service ramp set to be dismantled through careful hand separation. Demolition works are scheduled for completion May 2026. 

The project presents logistical challenges due to its location within the historic market town of Worksop and in close proximity to operational retail units, residents and key access routes. The main demolition works are taking place to the rear of the building, adjacent to the main thoroughfare to the principal parking area and service delivery routes.

Stores within the Priory Centre will remain open as normal throughout the development and pedestrian access through the shopping centre will also be maintained, ensuring continued connectivity between the car park, Bridge Place and Ryton Street. Bassetlaw District Council purchased the site in 2023, with the majority of the £20 million redevelopment funding secured through the previous government’s Levelling Up Fund. The redevelopment aims to increase visitor numbers, enhance the town centre offer and create a renewed leisure and retail destination for the people of Worksop.

Andy Sewards, Chairman of G F Tomlinson, said: “We are proud to be working in partnership with Bassetlaw District Council to deliver this landmark regeneration scheme for Worksop. The start of structural demolition marks a significant milestone for The Priory Centre and demonstrates real progress following a detailed pre-construction period.

“Our team has worked closely with the Council and stakeholders to carefully plan the works, particularly given the logistical challenges of operating within a busy town centre environment, adjacent to live businesses and residential areas. We look forward to progressing the redevelopment and creating a vibrant new destination that will serve the community for years to come.”

Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said: Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council said; “We’ve reached an exciting and significant milestone for the redevelopment of this part of the Priory Centre. People will really be able to see the progress that is being made as we begin to realise our ambition of making a lasting and positive change for Worksop Town Centre.

“We know that we need to improve the fortunes of our town centres and high streets, and this development will be a catalyst for greater opportunities and choices for people visiting Worksop.”

Adam Brumfitt, regional director for the Midlands at Pagabo, said: “We are delighted to have supported Bassetlaw District Council throughout the procurement process for this scheme, which was secured by G F Tomlinson through a further competition via The Medium Works Framework. It’s exciting to see the project progressing on site, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on the local community.