The £8m job will see the demolition of six, 31-storey blocks, once reckoned to be the tallest flats in Europe.

The demolition of around 720 flats is expected to be the biggest demolition job to go out to bid this year and presents a huge challenge because of high levels of asbestos both inside and outside the buildings.

The successful contractor will be promised a steady work stream with the complex task expected to take around four years to complete.

The deal marks the first phase in the £60m transformation of the area, which will include the demolition and the construction of 120 new homes for GHA tenants.

In later stages of the project, around 600 new social-rented and private homes will be built.

A 10-year regeneration masterplan will determine the future of the remaining housing stock, including the rest of the multi-storey flats.

Interested firms have until 4 March to prequalify for the job which is due out to tender in early April.