The city councillor for Ward 1 is providing an update on the demolition of the old Hoyles-Escasoni building on Portugal Cove Road in St. John’s.

Area residents have been frustrated by the dilapidated eyesore since it shut down in 2014, and were hopeful this winter when a demolition permit was finally issued.

Councillor Jill Bruce says she and council have fielded questions from the public about what some perceive to be a lack of progress in the building’s removal. She can’t speak to specific timelines, but says the demolition permit is for a year, and contractors usually like to get the work done within that period.

Bruce told VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly that any hazardous materials have already been removed, and pest control has been completed.

Bruce says demolition work typically begins on the interior of the building before the outer structure is taken down.