DSM Demolition, the Birmingham-based firm awarded the contract to clear the former shopping centre site, was among ten construction companies fined a combined £59m in 2023.

The fine was issued after an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found the firms had colluded on tender prices for demolition contracts over a five-year period.

DSM Demolition was fined £1.4m in 2023 (Image: Denise Bradley)

DSM demolition admitted its involvement and received a reduced fine of £1.4 million.

The firm was appointed by Norwich City Council in July 2025 on a nine-month contract, with hard demolition beginning last autumn.

The council says the contract was awarded through an open and competitive process in line with public procurement law, and that DSM was not subject to any statutory exclusion.

But Ian Stutely, a Green councillor, who represents the area, said the appointment raises questions about the authority's judgement.

DSM has not responded to requests for comment.

THE BID-RIGGING CARTEL

The CMA investigation, which concluded in March 2023 after four years, found that ten demolition firms had colluded on the prices of contracts between January 2013 and June 2018. 

The practice - known as cover bidding - involved firms secretly agreeing in advance which company would........

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