CHICAGO Rock will be demolished - today.
It is understood work is to begin this evening to dismantle the iconic Grade II listed building, which was gutted by fire last Thursday.
Council boss David Shepherd told the Chronicle that the owner of the building has come to the conclusion the only safe way to proceed - given the imminent danger of collapse - is to flatten the fire ravaged former pub.
"The decision has come from the owner of the building and that was late yesterday evening," he said.
The council issued a statement at 5.30pm yesterday to say Historic England would be carrying out a technical assessment of the former Co-operative building today using a laser scanning survey.
It said: "Barnsley Council is also expecting the report from the structural engineer to be returned, after which it will be in a position to consider granting consent for demolition to the building owner, who has taken full responsibility for the site.
"Westway remains closed, with a cordon still in place as safety is paramount – some masonry has fallen off the building."
Security staff will be monitoring the area over the weekend and bank holiday Monday.
UPDATE:
Barnsley Council has issued an official statement confirming the building owner has started the process for consent to demolish the former Chicago Rock.
It states: "The council considers sufficient grounds have been established by the building owner to proceed to demolish the building.
"Further information regarding the timescales for the start and duration of the demolition process will be given as soon as available."
