By John Ostapkovich

CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) — The Camden-based Campbell Soup Company has announced the end of the line for a landmark, but the beginning, perhaps, of something much better.

Campbell’s has announced the purchase of the former Sears-Roebuck building on Admiral Wilson Boulevard and its four surrounding acres, to be combined with previous acquisitions so the long-planned Gateway Office Complex can get going.

Campbell spokesman Anthony Sanzio says that after sitting vacant for so many years, the building at long last be demolished.

“Through the years there have been other businesses that have tried to make a go of it in the property, all of which have failed. Campbell has  a deep appreciation of the history of the city of Camden, but the building has outlived its usefulness,” he told KYW Newsradio today.

Sanzio says the Gateway project has several things going for it: location near the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and I-676; it’s ready for development; it has flexibility and tax advantages — all of which, it is hoped, will attract businesses and jobs to Camden.