Local residents of Penzance in Cornwall, who have been following the story of the PZ Gallery redevelopment, may have noticed recent activity by DSW over the past couple of weeks. We have been tasked with the demolition of the iconic Art Deco building by our client, Treveth Holdings.

What have we done so far?…

1. Soft Strip

The DSW team are currently busy with removing fixtures, fittings, interior walls, suspended ceilings, and other non-load-bearing components. The goal of a soft strip is to clear the building of anything that is not considered part of the structure itself, leaving only the core structural elements, such as walls, floors, and columns.

This part of the process helps to ensure the safety of workers during the subsequent phases of demolition and allows for the efficient removal of valuable or reusable materials. Once the soft strip (and asbestos removal) is complete, the building will be in a state where it can be safely and more easily demolished.

2. Mechanical Demolition

Demolition South West is proud to announce the commencement of the mechanical demolition phase at the former PZ Gallery in Penzance, Cornwall. This significant milestone marks the transition from preparation to the active dismantling of the building’s main structure.

Before reaching this stage, our team undertook extensive preparatory works to ensure the site was ready for mechanical demolition. This included thorough soft stripping, where all non-structural elements such as fixtures, fittings, and internal partitions were carefully removed. Additionally, any asbestos-containing materials were safely identified and removed in strict compliance with industry regulations, ensuring the health and safety of all personnel and the surrounding community.

Now, with the site fully prepared, our skilled operatives are using machinery to systematically dismantle the gallery’s main structural components. Mechanical demolition not only speeds up the process but also allows us to maximise material recovery, in line with our commitment to sustainability. All waste generated during this phase will be meticulously sorted at our waste transfer station in St Dennis, ensuring recyclable materials are diverted from landfill.

The PZ Gallery project exemplifies our dedication to delivering safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible demolition services. As a Constructionline Gold accredited company, we are proud to play a role in shaping the future of Penzance by facilitating the redevelopment of this iconic site.

3. Demolition Complete

We have now finished the demolition at PZ Gallery. Our team are now sorting and clearing the site from rubble and debris before we hand-over to our client.