Work by GBM Demolition to pull down the Doncaster Odeon began today (Monday 9th November 2009) using a new piece of Kocurek ultra-high reach telescopic demolition equipment - one of only three in the UK.

GBM Demolition has invested £200,000 in the new state-of-the-art equipment which has been bought in specially to aid the external demolition of the 22m Art Deco building, owned by Lazarus Properties.

The ultra-high 34-metre-reach telescopic demolition accessory has been attached to a 70-tonne modified Volvo standard demolition excavator - the first time worldwide that such a rig has carried the heavy duty 3,500kg tool option.

GBM Demolition is a national company based at Louth in Lincolnshire and headed up by Director Simon Grantham. 

"We're delighted to have this new equipment and are eager to see the full extent of its capabilities at first hand at our Doncaster demolition site," said Simon.

He added: "As a national demolition company, we are at the very forefront of our industry and we hope that this Kocurek telescopic demolition accessory will enable us to strengthen our position further as a key player in the industry."

Kocurek Service Manager Martin Williams said: "It will give GBM Demolition the potential for reaching greater heights with a very flexible machine which will be of great benefit to the company."

The new equipment has many features unique to Kocurek such as the modular joint and telescopic boom. 

Martin added: "The main advantages of using a Kocurek telescopic boom is that it allows a large working envelope and gives user ability to finely adjust boom length as required.  

"There is no need to spend considerable time removing or adding fixed boom sections when working height change is needed and the telescopic boom brings the tool closer to the machine for lifting, allowing for use of heavier tools at greater height."

The demolition of the Doncaster Odeon site is expected to be complete by Christmas. Planning permission has been granted to turn the site into a £10 million development including a casino, gym, shops and office. Work on this project will begin in the New Year.