TVCA - Pictures and drone of one of the largest explosive demolitions ever to take place in the UK
Posted on 03 October 2022
Background
- The former steelmaking (BOS – Basic Oxygen Steelmaking) plant that closed 7 years ago when SSI UK was liquidated
- The structure previously stood at 65metres tall and around 105,000 tonnes of steel is estimated to be in the structure
- Thompsons were the demolition contractor
- 1.6tonnes of explosives were used
- It is believed to be one of the largest explosive demolitions ever to take place in the UK
- Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen pressed the button to detonate the explosives bringing the building down around 09:40 today (1st October)
Pictures Credit: Teesworks
Drone footage Credit: Sky Revolutions
Statement from the Tees Valley Mayor
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Each demolition of the former steelmaking structures on this site is a bittersweet moment as they have played such a huge part in shaping our communities, people and identity for decades.
“Ever since the SSI steelworks closure brought so much heartache to our region almost seven years ago to the day, this plant has laid dormant and unused. While we remember our past, we must never lose sight of the reason we’re doing this. I made a promise to build a better future for the people of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool and today is another part of delivering upon that.
“We’re already seeing that just a few hundred yards away, with construction under way on SeAH Wind’s huge offshore wind manufacturing plant – a £400million investment already creating good-quality, well-paid jobs for local people. It’s soon to be joined by Net Zero Teesside and the 5,500 jobs that will be created just to build the £1.5billion power plant with carbon capture, utilisation and storage.
“We’re continuing to clear the way to bring more cleaner, safer and healthier industries of tomorrow, creating good-quality jobs for local people."
