Work has begun to secure the site of the former Hippodrome ahead of demolition work beginning, with removal of asbestos completed and preliminary set up by the demolition team.

The site will be secured with fencing and 24 hour security and everything necessary for the demolition team to start work will be moving onto the site over the next few weeks.

This will largely be maintained to the rear of the site, so there will be little noticeable disruption. Activity will also be underway to clear the site in order to provide access for contractors.

The demolition is the beginning of a £25m building project which will see the creation of a university campus led by Worcester University.

The university will be delivering its outstanding programmes centred around health care and allied professions, including nursing, midwifery, paramedic science and related health occupations from the new Dudley site. Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said:

"We’re really starting to see this project picking up pace. Our contractors have been busy with asbestos removal and will soon be busy with the final preparation work which will allow us to meet all planning conditions.

"People will be getting to see activity on the site from this week onwards as we work towards meeting those conditions. Demolition will begin once these have been met.

"This project continues to represent a fantastic opportunity for the borough, not only in terms of employment during and after the build, but creating a fantastic new training facility for people hoping to work in the health sector."