Local contractor Ron Hull Demolition has been appointed to clear the site, which has included the removal of the old Gloystarne warehouse building. The demolition process is set to take up to five weeks.

RUFC chair Tony Stewart said: "Now we have commenced the process of demolition I think it will show the people of Rotherham that the progress that is being made on the new stadium is gathering pace, so much so that it is now visible for all to see.

"The site that is being cleared is the additional land that was purchased to provide us with the additional flexibility for future amenities and access to and from the new stadium development site."

Nottingham-based Gleeds is project managing the scheme, which will see the npower League Two club move back to the town for the first time since leaving Millmoor in 2008.