Work starts to demolish vandal-hit office block
Peter Taylor, the Liberal Democrat mayor of Watford, says he is glad it is being knocked down.
**Work begins on demolition of vandalised office block**
Diggers have started tearing down Watford’s former TJX office building, which has been empty for years.
The former European headquarters of TK Maxx’s parent company is being demolished after standing vacant for about seven years.
The run-down building on Clarendon Road, close to Watford Junction railway station, had become a magnet for vandals, with broken windows and graffiti covering its walls.
In June, police and firefighters were called to the site after concerns were raised for the safety of three children who had been seen on the roof.
A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Police said: "There have been repeated incidents of vandalism and unauthorised access at the building, with individuals engaging in urban exploring activities that place them at significant risk of harm."
The force added that it was pleased progress was being made.
Excavators are exposing internal walls, with steps being taken to cut down dust from falling debris.
Vedose Ltd’s proposal to redevelop the site was first rejected by Watford Borough Council in 2022 because of concerns over the scale and height of the scheme.
The developer appealed, and the plan was later approved, external by the Planning Inspectorate in September 2023.
The site has planning permission for 247 rented homes and about 51,666 sq ft (4,800 sq m) of office space in buildings of up to 24 storeys.
The Watford Town Centre & Watford Clarendon BID (business improvement district) group said businesses had wanted demolition to go ahead and that work had started to make sure the existing planning permission stayed valid.
The council said it was not clear how long the demolition would take.
The two diggers are bringing down the building from opposite sides, leaving increasing piles of rubble as concrete, brickwork and steel are pulled away from the structure.
Residents had described the site as an "eyesore".
For many people visiting Watford, Clarendon Road is one of the first parts of the town they see because it is near the railway station.
Peter Taylor, the town’s Liberal Democrat mayor, called the empty office block an "eyesore" and said he was worried about the impression it created of the town.
"I'm very pleased it is being demolished," he said.
In recent months, the council said it had taken measures to improve security at the site, including stronger perimeter fencing and security pods that can alert police when people enter the site.
Urban explorers posted videos on social media showing themselves inside the building, despite repeated police warnings about the dangers of entering derelict properties.
"It is another example of investment and regeneration in Watford, which is home to many thriving businesses, both local and multinational," Taylor added.
Insurance company Sun Alliance used the building as offices in the 1990s.