The contract to demolish the old Mews Centre in St. John’s has been awarded – and it’s going to cost taxpayers more than half-a-million dollars.

The facility closed last year when all programs and services moved to the new Mews Centre located off Blackler Avenue.

Over the summer, ward councilor Greg Noseworthy announced that the empty building would be demolished this fall.

A document tabled during this week’s city council meeting indicates that Bursey Excavating has been awarded a four-month contract for the work, valued at $593,000.

Noseworthy expects the demolition to be completed by the end of the year, with a future decision on plans for the land.

He says Bursey’s is securing the site, and the building will start coming down piece by piece over the coming months. He says the city is evaluating the site, which includes a “fairly large chunk of land” which is centrally located. The aim, according to Noseworthy is to ensure that it will serve the taxpayers in the best way possible.