DEMOLITION workers have started to smash an old shopping block in Cornmarket Street to smithereens.

The work is part of a £36m Jesus College scheme to revamp Northgate House, providing new accommodation for shops and students.

Oxford Mail:

Work in the city centre started earlier this year and the building at the junction of Market Street has been fenced with panels revealing the college’s history.

Oxford Mail:

In July a Hitachi Zaxis 490 LCH excavator - nicknamed The Beast - was brought in to reduce Northgate House to rubble.

READ AGAIN: Machine named 'The Beast' ready to destroy Oxford shops

Oxford Mail:

On Thursday workers continued to carefully demolish the structure.

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Once Northgate House, on the corner of Market Street has gone, a new building will be constructed, featuring new retail units, with student accommodation above.

The project will finish in 2021 to coincide with the 450th anniversary of the college.