Work has begun to bring down one of the city centre's most prominent empty buildings.

Passers-by noticed windows being removed at Victoria House on Monday, the former home of insurance firm Marsh in Queens Road.

Wooden fencing was erected around the building in February, suggesting demolition work could start, but owners Zive Capital have previously kept quiet on progress.

The London-based company has now confirmed work is under way to level the building though.

The owners of Victoria House have confirmed work has begun on the building's demolitionThe owners of Victoria House have confirmed work has begun on the building's demolition (Image: Newsquest)

A Zive Capital spokesman said: "We are pleased to announce the commencement of demolition works on the Victoria House site.

"Over the next few weeks scaffolding will be erected to the north-west wing elevation.

"We are committed to keeping the local community informed and involved throughout this process.

"To this end, demolition contractors will be sending out a newsletter to local residents and setting up a community WhatsApp group in the coming days. 

"Looking ahead, we continue to progress the planning and redevelopment of the brownfield Victoria House site."

Demolition work was initially scheduled to begin by the end of September last year but it was revealed in October that no date had been setDemolition work was initially scheduled to begin by the end of September last year but it was revealed in October that no date had been set (Image: Newsquest)

Last month county councillor for Town Close Ward, Emma Corlett, raised concerns about the "preservation of trees on site".

It came amid wider issues around communication between the owners and the community, with councillor Corlett adding she had not "heard anything at all".

Zive Capital has tried to quash any concerns, adding: "We are committed to a sustainable redevelopment on this site, allowing us to reduce operational carbon levels whilst also reusing and recycling the existing building.

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"All trees on the site will be protected. 

Windows were seen knocked out at the former Marsh buildingWindows were seen knocked out at the former Marsh building (Image: Newsquest)

"We also intend to conduct extensive community and stakeholder consultations to help shape our proposals before submitting any planning application."

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The building has been vacant since the start of 2022 and Zive Capital plans to redevelop the site. 

In September 2023, Norwich City Council granted Zive Capital permission to demolish the existing buildings on the site.

Demolition works were scheduled to begin by the end of September last year but it was revealed in October that no date had been set.

Zive Capital said all trees on the site will be protected in response to recent concernsZive Capital said all trees on the site will be protected in response to recent concerns (Image: Newsquest)