[C]arlisle City council say seven tonnes of loose masonry has been removed from the dangerous Central Plaza building on Victoria Viaduct in Carlisle.
In total 32 tonnes of stone and building material will be removed.
A Carlisle City Council spokesperson said: “Work is progressing well and the majority of the seven tonnes of loose masonry has been removed from the front of the building. These works require both cranes to be on site due the weight and size of the stone.
“Once all of this stonework has been removed, one of the cranes can leave the site and contractors will start on the next stage of emergency works. This will include the removal of two large chimneys to the front section of either side of the mansard roof (north and south faces) and the removal of the mansard roof over the front section of the building and reduction of top level masonry, including the chimneys, down to parapet level. In total 32 tonnes of stone and building material will be removed from the building.
“Contractors will continue to work between 5am until 9pm each day (potentially working until 10pm, if safe to do so). Works will continue over the weekend. We are liaising closely with the contractors to ensure that the works are completed as quickly as possible.
“As the former Central Plaza building has no owner (it is currently in escheat but rests with the Crown Estate), the City Council is duty bound to ensure that the property does not cause an immediate danger to persons in and around the building. This is covered under the Building Act 1984 s78 Dangerous Buildings – Emergency Measures.”
