Merton Civic Centre will be wrapped in scaffolding this weekend as work to replace the buildings 680 windows begins.

The cost of the project was estimated at £3.2m, but a competitive tendering process has seen the cost drop to £2.5m - funds allocated by the previous Conservative administration.

The Hazlemere Window Company, based in High Wycombe, were awarded the contract to carry out the work following a cabinet meeting on Monday, April 22.

The 1960s iron-framed windows were deemed unfit for purpose following an independent assessment conducted by GF Linsley, an independent glass and glazing consultant.

Councillor Stephen Alambritis, leader of the council, said the work was being done to ensure the safety of the public and staff and represented a significant investment in the building's future.

The windows, made from recycled materials, will better regulate the building's temperature and are expected to help save on heating costs.

Scaffolding weighing 420 tonnes will start to encase the civic centre this weekend with the project expected to be completed in Spring 2014.

The council has plans to brighten up the scaffold clad building by projecting images onto it around Christmas time in the "spirit of the season", as well as potential advertisements.