Demolition of Oxford’s former Odeon cinema appears to be advancing rapidly as preparations continue for a hotel development in George Street.
Parts of the former cinema building have already disappeared following the arrival of contractors earlier in the summer.
The venue closed at the end of January, paving the way for plans to demolish the site and replace it with a new building.
Oxford City Council has granted approval for proposals submitted by the Marick Read Estate.
The scheme involves a design-focused, 145-unit lifestyle aparthotel under the name Wilde Oxford.
Watkin Jones Group has been appointed to manage construction, which began during the summer.
Heavy demolition equipment has since entered the site, with work beginning near the entrance to Gloucester Green market.
The market, located off George Street, operates from Wednesday through Saturday.
Its traders have taken a close interest in the construction, although barriers now separate the demolition area from the market.
One trader said that trading could continue while the market’s entrances remained under observation because of the scale of the project.
Completion of the new development may not take place until late 2027.
A council spokesperson said Marick Real Estate had appointed Watkin Jones Group as the project’s construction partner.
Hoardings were installed ahead of demolition, which was initially scheduled for later in the summer.
The planned Wilde Oxford aparthotel is intended to combine the amenities of a conventional hotel with private accommodation.
Shared social areas are designed to provide settings where guests, Oxford residents and visitors can meet, work and interact.
A 400-square-metre community facility is also included in the development.
Makespace Oxfordshire is helping deliver the flexible area, which is expected to support a broad range of community activities.
According to the council, Gloucester Green market and the surrounding businesses will continue operating while construction is under way.
Authority representatives said they would maintain contact with those businesses to reduce the effects of the work.