The sale of the controversial ‘Golden Egg’ building in Kings Square in the heart of the city has been completed.

Legal documents were signed yesterday (Thursday December 12) leaving the way clear for demolition to get under way early in January

The building has been empty and unused for years and has been the source of public complaint and criticism.

Now it has been purchased by the City Council from Aviva Investors following months of detailed discussions and negotiations.  The demolition will help continue to pave the way for the Kings Quarter redevelopment.

Council Leader, Paul James, commented: “ I am delighted that we have finally concluded the legal formalities. The building is now ours and we intend to proceed with the demolition works as quickly as we can.

“ It will start to come down early in the New Year. And we will be carrying out some interim landscaping works to put in its place.

“ This will be a large project and there will be a fairly substantial part of the square that will need to be cordoned off while the work takes place. However, this is something that everyone has wanted to see happen for a very long time. I am sure that people will bear with us while we complete the operation.

“ This is a significant moment in the regeneration plans for the centre of the City and it is one that I am sure everybody will welcome. I would like to thank Aviva for their co-operation in making this happen and I look forward to further progress in our negotiations with them on the wider Kings Quarter scheme.”