Dover’s regeneration is now one step closer as the town’s 130ft eyesore has finally been demolished.

This week has seen the last remains of Burlington House removed from the Dover landscape forever.

What was once a towering office block has been reduced to a pile of rubble, ready to be transformed into a key part of the town’s regeneration.

A spokesman for Bond City, the developers preparing to transform the town centre, said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank our valued partners DDS Demolition and Canterbury Archaeological Trust for their significant and continuing involvement to date, in what will be the most important development project Dover has seen in a generation.” Preparations are being made for the St James development. Russell Street is shut at the junction with Townwall Street to allow work to start.

Tim Ingleton, head of inward investment at Dover District Council, said: “Aside from removing one of the most unloved buildings that anyone is ever likely to see, it also represents a major, visible step forward in the wider regeneration of Dover.

“The Russell Street closure will enable hoardings to be relocated and for the preparatory works to start at the end of Russell Street and in the vicinity of the former Charrington’s site at the rear of Castle Street, between Russell Street and Dolphin Passage.” The site will feature a six-screen Cineworld, Frankie and Benny’s, Bella Italia, Nandos, Next, M&S Simply Food, and a 108-room Travelodge.

The Mercury this week includes a 12-page supplement on Burlington House, its history and it demise.