Heavy traffic heading to the Port of Dover’s Eastern Docks is being shielded from spalling concrete that may fly off the front of Burlington House.

A wooden canopy stands between the building’s remains and the motorists as DDS Demolition completes the last part of the deconstruction.

The last floor is in the midst of being removed and all that will remain is the old Dover Eurochange store and the Taste of India restaurant, both of which have moved.

It is one of the last dramatic changes to be seen before the former office block becomes nothing but a pile of rubble.

Head of inward investment at Dover District Council (DDC), Tim Ingleton, said: “Once the building is demolished there will be an ongoing process of continuing the grading, screening of material along with a number of earth works and preparations across the site. “

Russell Street was scheduled for closure by the end of the week so that the hoardings can be moved.

They will go at the end of Russell Street and near the former Charrington’s site at the back of Castle Street, between Russell Street and Dolphin Passage.

In its place will be a modern extension to the current town centre, entitled the St James’ development.

On completion, the St James’ development is set to include a six screen Cineworld complex, an M&S Simply Food store and a 108-bed Travelodge hotel.

Restaurants Bella Italia and Frankie & Benny’s have also signed up to the scheme.

Fashion retailer Next and chicken restaurant Nando’s are the latest chains to commit.

There are still five units to fill, but a DDC spokesman could not confirm whether any other brands had signed up.

The spokesman said: “The development continues to make great progress but we have no new news at the moment - we will keep you posted on any updates as soon as we have them."