A demolition firm has cleared a former leisure complex in Southampton, paving the way for new development.

HWM Group demolished Leisure World for ABP, which will use the site for cruise parking for the Port of Southampton.

The work is part of the city council's long-term plan for a leisure-focused waterfront, balancing the city's port heritage.

Director Adam Blake from HWM Group said: "The Leisure World demolition contract shows that our group experience as a local company across demolition, waste handling and civil engineering has been recognised for our local expertise and the resources we can readily bring to projects of this size and scope."

For now, the site will be a temporary car park for the cruise terminal and import/export vehicles.

Long-term plans for the area are part of the Mayflower Quarter development.

The structure was originally built for Pirelli Cables, then used as a storage facility before becoming a multiplex cinema and leisure complex.

The building, mostly made of steel, had sections with masonry walls, mezzanine levels, and concrete floors.

HWM Group worked to minimise disruption, starting from the south portside and moving up to West Quay Road, while keeping the Grosvenor Casino and parking area open.

HWM Group’s team also strengthened the steel works within the Leisure World structure where it adjoins the Grosvenor Casino, allowing the surrounding structure to be demolished while adding new external cladding where needed.

The project was completed on time in 16 weeks.

HWM Group recycled 98 per cent of the steel, concrete, and cabling, clearing the site to its original ground level slab.

The breakdown of recovered materials includes 1,200 tons of steel fabrication, 600 tons of concrete and masonry, 160 tons of wood, and 50 tons of cable and wiring.

With live services in the port and along West Quay Road, HWM Group carefully planned all transport movements and provided dust suppression.

Where possible, concrete was crushed and reused across the site, reducing the number of lorries needed and the associated costs.

More details about the redevelopment plans can be found on the Southampton City Council website.