Demolition of a significant three-storey former office bock and warehouse in the centre of Gloucester will go ahead.

The three-storey former Edmundson Electrical headquarters off Great Western Road has become not just an eyesore, but a magnet for antisocial behaviour, not to mention dodging any attempts to get the building re-used.

Gloucester City Council has owned the freehold for some time, but recently bought in the lease to gain full control of the site, and councillors have now agreed to demolish the property.

"A portion of the site will be used to enable the planned improvement works to the adjacent subway, with the remainder available for development.

"The existing building was considered for redevelopment, but it was felt this would not make the most of the site's potential," said a statement from the council.

The station redevelopment work is billed a £3.75million project.

"Gloucester has considerable needs for housing of all shapes and sizes, and the site at Wessex House has been identified in the report as a suitable location for new provision.

"The report recognises the negative impact this vacant site has on the local neighbourhood, which would be mitigated by having the building demolished."

Paul James, city council and cabinet member for regeneration and economy, said: "Redeveloping this site will complement the improvements we are making to the railway station and the area around it, including the subway, and will remove another eyesore from the city council's Regeneration hit list, as well as providing much-needed new housing."

It is understood demolition would be done around the same time as Bruton Way car park and adjacent Bentinck House, which form part of the Kings Quarter redevelopment, just across the other side of the railway tracks behind Wessex House.