THE demolition of two 1890s buildings could begin by early next year if plans are approved.
Originally part of Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital (DPOW), the Havelock and Cordeaux buildings located on the site are now owned by the Homes and Communities Agency.
The HCA is the national housing and regeneration delivery agency. It provides investment for new affordable housing and to improve existing social housing, as well as for regenerating land.
Its aim is to demolish the derelict buildings so that the land can become more attractive to housing developers.
In 2009, the organisation received planning consent for more than 100 new homes to be built.
It now plans to make the site available for housing development in 2013 and started marketing it to developers earlier this year.
HCA area manager Richard Crabtree, said: "We have submitted an application to North East Lincolnshire Council for demolition, after receiving advice that there is a very limited market for conversion of the buildings into new homes.
"We are investing in this site to make it more attractive to housing developers and to ensure development starts on the site more quickly.
"This is in line with the Government's objective to get housing development under way on publicly-owned land."
Both the Havelock and Cordeaux buildings date back to the 1890s and were originally constructed for the Grimsby Union Workhouse.
After a number of changes in use they were then taken over by the National Health Service in the late 1940s.
They currently stand empty and are deemed to be suffering from lack of maintenance.
In addition, the company is currently in the process of demolishing the former 1960s day hospital on the same site, which also aims to make way for new homes.
If approval is granted, Mr Crabtree expects demolition to start by early next year and last for around three months.
He said: "We will be offering the site on build now, pay later terms to help with developer cash-flow in the current market.
"It will also maintain momentum so essential new homes are delivered on the site.
"The new owners will draw up detailed layouts and plans for new homes, which will be the subject of further consultation with the local community as part of future planning applications."
A spokesman from North East Lincolnshire Council, said: "We have received Homes and Communities Agency's application, it has been validated and now lies with planning officers to make a decision."
