DEMOLITION work on the Dolphin Square shopping precinct will begin next month, it has been announced.

Developer McLaren Life has submitted an application to North Somerset Council for work to start from October 22, although it will be the middle of November before bulldozers enter the site.

It is expected to be completed by the end of January.

Businesses which occupied the precinct have begun the process of moving out and the indoor market shut its doors for the final time on September 21 after serving customers for 43 years.

Some of the traders have started moving into a new market on St James Street with the finishing touches being made over the next few days.

The demolition order signals the start of phase three of the �45million regeneration scheme.

Once the current 1960s precinct has been knocked down a brand new shopping centre will be built in its place, although no retailers have signed to be part of the complex yet.

However the Mercury understands Primark, Debenhams and River Island have all discussed opening stores in Dolphin Square.

During the building work pavements will be closed in Oxford Street, Union Street and Carlton Street while the overhanging canopies are removed.

Oxford Street will be partly closed throughout the development period and Union Street is expected to be made one way due to concerns the work may affect drivers’ visibility. Motorists will be directed along Carlton Street to get to Oxford Street.

While the demolition work is expected to be completed within three months, the shopping centre should be completed early in 2014.

The finishing touches are already being made to the new 112-bed Premier Inn hotel and Brewers Fayre restaurant which is due to open at the end of November.

Other restaurant chains including Nando’s, Prezzo and Pizza Express will also form part of the new development, as well as a new Vue Cinema complex.