The demolition of the former Discovery Centre in downtown Halifax will mean bus detours and street closures starting today.

On Friday morning, part of Granville Street will shut down to prepare the site at Barrington and Sackville streets for the work.

"Part of the street closures are to facilitate bringing on the equipment to help bring the building down in as safe a way as possible," said Lucas Wide, a spokesperson for the municipality.

7 bus routes affected

Seven bus routes, including the 1 Spring Garden and the 80 Sackville, will have to take a detour around the area over the weekend, but pedestrians will still have access to the area.

"The businesses along the street closure will remain open and people will be able to access them," said Wide, adding that there will be people in the area to keep people and traffic out of harm's way.

Demolition will take place on Saturday and cleanup work is scheduled for Sunday.

Barrington Street will reopen to traffic by Monday morning although part of Sackville and Granville will remain closed until Monday night.