DEMOLITION work on Colwyn Bay’s old market hall is nearing completion.

Conwy Council said it is pleased with the progress of work to tear down the eyesore after contractors J Freeley began demolition early in March.

Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Phil Edwards, said: "The old market hall area has been a blight on the centre of Colwyn Bay for far too long.

“I am delighted that its demolition is now almost complete so that we can move on and look forward to the next phase of the long term regeneration project for Colwyn Bay.”

The building originally housed The Charlton Garage at the beginning of the nineteenth century.

The business later joined the indoor market before it closed its doors in the 1980s.

The building was acquired by Conwy Council and the Welsh Government as part of the Bay Life+ regeneration project in Colwyn Bay.

Cllr Edwards added: “This is a key strategic site, close to the A55, and is a crucial element for the success of Colwyn Bay's future.

“I very much look forward to seeing how it develops.

“One thing is for sure, Colwyn Bay is looking like the place to be for savvy investors and forward thinking developers and business people."

Colwyn Bay Mayor Viv Perry has called for an attraction, such as an ice rink, to be installed at the site.

She said: “An ice rink in Colwyn Bay would be ideal, given the central location.”

Rhiw Ward councillor John Roberts, said: “This is another piece in the jigsaw of the regeneration and rejuvenation of Colwyn Bay - the largest town on the North Wales coast.

“I look forward to seeing some exciting ideas to transform the site into a vibrant and profitable part of the “new” town.”

A Conwy Council spokeswoman said: “It was a challenging project, with the presence of hazardous materials on site and its proximity to an adjoining listed building and the A55 and railway.”

Conwy Council will now be looking to redevelop the site.