DEMOLITION of the former Zarlink site on Cheney Manor Industrial Estate began this week, as Clearwater Properties moves forward with its plans for 35 business units there.

In August 2011, Clearwater, a firm based in Stroud, was granted planning permission by Swindon Council to demolish the building.

The proposal is for three terraces comprising 35 independent units with the opportunity for mezzanine accommodation.

The building was last used as a semi-conductor manufacturing centre, along with offices, storage and a research and development centre.

Most recently, Clearwater applied for an extension of time to its initial planning permission.

On July 21 it requested more time to complete the work, but it is still being weighed up by Swindon Council’s planning department.

When the proposal is finished it will have 132 car parking spaces, seven for light goods vehicles, eight for motorcycles, nine disability spaces and 25 cycle spaces.

The building last hit the headlines in November, when it was set on fire by arsonists.