Demolition companies are being sought to tear down Dover’s biggest eyesore, Burlington House.

The successful firm will work alongside the developers, Bond City, to plan the best way of bringing it down.

Contracts manager Jack Garner, from Stonehurst Estates, part of Bond City, said: “Tenders for demolition are in the process of being issued.

“We have a comprehensive demolition plan that all potential contractors will have to follow. This will include traffic management and consideration for local residents.” Mr Garner could not reveal any more about the plan at this time.

Detailed surveys, including an asbestos assessment, are being completed for Burlington House and the multi-storey car park behind it.

Preparations are being made for a main internal strip-out, set to take place in late spring.

A timeline on the Invest in Dover website shows that they will be demolished at the same time.

The district council is still waiting for the legal process of the compulsory purchase order to go through.

Permission was given from the Secretaries of State in February to acquire the last 5% of land.

District council leader Cllr Paul Watkins said the eyesore should be down within six months, which coincides with the Mercury’s previous reports that it would be knocked down by late summer.

He also said that talks need to take place with the Highways Agency over temporary road closures on the day of demolition.

Cllr Watkins said: “The demolition method is for them (contractors) to determine, that will be part of the process.

“The people of Dover will be pleased at the regeneration progress of the scheme and that there is looking to be an end to the long-running saga.”

“The people of Dover will be pleased at the regeneration progress of the scheme' Cllr Paul Watkins

The St James’ scheme, set to be completed in 2016, has so far attracted five tenants.

It will include a six-screen Cineworld complex and an M&S Simply Food store. Italian-American restaurant Frankie & Benny’s has signed up, along with Italian restaurant Bella Italia. A 108-bed Travelodge hotel is also being built.

A large fashion retailer has expressed an interest, but the district council has not yet revealed which.

• How do you think Burlington House should come down? Submit your views, along with your name and address to: mercurynews@thekmgroup.co.uk