A DATE has still not been set to demolish a derelict town centre building that has become a magnet for anti-social behaviour in Poole.

St John’s House, Serpentine Road, is currently subject of a court order prohibiting people from entering the structure, and a separate demolition order.

In March, this year, two teenagers who had been ‘urban exploring’ at the building narrowly escaped unharmed when a fire broke out in the former office block.

The demolition notice, issued in March, lists the Shropshire-based company Beneficial Contracts as the agent undertaking the demolition. However, when the Echo contacted the firm we were told no information was currently available regarding when demolition would be carried out.

Borough of Poole (BOP) says there is no time limit on demolition notices under the Building Act, but locals will be hoping the wrecking ball arrives sooner rather than later.

After BOP successfully applied for a second court order banning anyone from entering the block, the council’s safer community manager Ian Cooke said: “St John’s House remains an attraction for some of Poole’s rough sleepers, who as a result continue to occupy the building despite safety concerns and the impact on the local community.”

St John’s House has been vacant for more than two years – ever since the borough’s transportation services moved back to the Civic Centre.

Last year an application to build a part 12-storey/part 14-storey block with 203 residential apartments at the site was agreed by BOP’s planning committee.

Developers want to demolish St John’s House and the former HMRC offices nearby, to make way for the complex. This will offer 58 studio apartments, 92 one-bedroomed flats, 49 two-bedroomed and four three-bedroomed homes.

Plans also include a residents’ fitness suite, a 90-space car park, communal roof garden and bicycle storage.