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Work starts to demolish vandal-hit office block

Matthew LockwoodBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire
MATTHEW LOCKWOOD/BBC A large demolition excavator tearing into a multi-storey red-brick office building.In the foreground, a yellow Liebherr 954 demolition excavator operated by EDR is using a hydraulic crushing attachment to break apart the structure.MATTHEW LOCKWOOD/BBC
Diggers are knocking down Watford's former TJX office building, which has been standing empty for years

The former European headquarters of TK Maxx's parent company is being knocked down, having stood empty for about seven years.

The dilapidated building on Clarendon Road, near Watford Junction railway station, had become a target for vandals, with windows smashed and graffiti sprayed across its walls.

In June, police and firefighters were called to the site after concerns about the safety of three children who had been seen on the roof.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Police said: "There have been repeated incidents of vandalism and unauthorised access at the building, with individuals engaging in urban exploring activities that place them at significant risk of harm."

The force added that it was pleased progress was being made.

MATTHEW LOCKWOOD/BBC A large yellow EDR demolition excavator dominates the foreground, with its extended boom reaching high into the upper floors of the structure. The machine's hydraulic attachment is tearing into the edge of a concrete floor slab near the roofline. Dust is billowing from the point of impact as chunks of concrete are broken away. MATTHEW LOCKWOOD/BBC
Internal walls are being exposed by excavators with measures taken to reduce dust caused by falling debris

The proposal from Vedose Ltd to redevelop the site was initially refused by Watford Borough Council in 2022 amid concerns about the scale and height of the development.

The developer appealed against the decision and the scheme was subsequently approved by the Planning Inspectorate in September 2023.

The site has planning permission for 247 rented homes and about 51,666 sq ft (4,800 sq m) of office space in buildings of up to 24 storeys.

The Watford Town Centre & Watford Clarendon BID (business improvement district) group said firms had wanted the demolition to proceed and that work had begun to ensure the existing planning permission remained valid.

The council said it was unclear how long the demolition work would take.

MATTHEW LOCKWOOD/BBC A yellow EDR demolition excavator is positioned on top of a substantial mound of rubble, using a hydraulic attachment to break apart the exposed structure. Much of the building's outer brick façade has already been removed, revealing the internal concrete floors, walls and support columns. MATTHEW LOCKWOOD/BBC
The two diggers are demolishing the building from opposite sides, creating growing piles of rubble as concrete, brickwork and steel are torn from the structure
MATTHEW LOCKWOOD/BBC The empty office building with many of the windows broken, with shattered glass and large holes visible in the panes, suggesting vandalism or damage prior to demolition. In the centre of the image is a protruding entrance canopy or enclosed stair/lift access structure. The roof and upper sections appear badly damaged, with parts of the metal framework exposed. MATTHEW LOCKWOOD/BBC
The site had been branded an "eyesore" by residents

For many visitors to Watford, Clarendon Road is one of the first parts of the town they see as it is near the railway station.

Peter Taylor, the town's Liberal Democrat mayor, described the empty office block as an "eyesore" and said he was concerned about the impression it gave of the town.

"I'm very pleased it is being demolished," he said.

In recent months, the council said it had taken steps to improve security at the site, including installing stronger perimeter fencing and security pods which can alert police when people enter the site.

Urban explorers posted videos on social media showing themselves inside the building, despite repeated police warnings about the dangers of entering derelict properties.

"It is another example of investment and regeneration in Watford, which is home to many thriving businesses, both local and multinational," Taylor added.

The BBC has contacted the developer for a response.

MATTHEW LOCKWOOD/BBC A fence dominates the foreground, with the wire mesh and green screening material in sharp focus. Beyond the fence, the tracks of a large demolition excavator are partially visible at the bottom of the image.MATTHEW LOCKWOOD/BBC
Insurance company Sun Alliance used the building as offices in the 1990s

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