The final phase of the demolition of Broomgrove Power Station began in October, as steeplejacks arrived to start work on knocking down the landmark chimneys. They work for Nottingham-based Churchills, and the team of nine are staying in the town until their work is completed; the main contractors are the Erith Group, who completed the demolition of the rest of the buildings earlier this year. Much of the cost of demolition is being provided by the South East England Development Agency, SEEDA.
Interest in the work has continued to be high, and a special press conference was held on Wednesday 6th November, when the media were given the opportunity to interview Councillor Jeremy Birch, Leader of the Council, and the Council's contractors for the work. They were even given the opportunity to climb a ladder to the top of one of the chimneys! And two of the guests actually did just that, with Lanie Whiting of Arrow FM, and Observer photographer Janice Hopgood, becoming "steeplejills" for the morning, making it right to the top. Lanie managed to do a live interview via her mobile, and Janice's pictures made for a good spread in the following Observer. The BBC and Meridian also sent camera crews and reporters, but remained firmly on the ground.
Subsequently, a small amount of asbestos was found at the very top of the chimneys, but this has been safely removed and demolition is now well underway.
But, as has been mentioned before in previous copies of the 'About', the demolition of the power station is just the start of the story. With the adjoining railway owned land, there is nearly 20 acres of land available to be developed. It is planned to build some houses and light industrial units on the site, the latter providing much-needed jobs for the area; however, the site will not be completely built on. Significant "green" areas will remain, too, for residents to enjoy. The precise mix of housing, employment areas, and open space is still to be agreed.
More detailed plans will be drawn up over the coming months, and the residents of Broomgrove will be fully consulted on the proposals, building upon the consultation that has already been carried out.
Whatever happens, Broomgrove Power Station will soon be just a memory - and the site home to one of the biggest regeneration projects in the town.
I hate to pass up opportunities. That was why the Admin Officer, HBC and I asked if we could climb the Broomgrove chimneys. It seemed more important because very soon they would be dismantled and the chance gone. That was two weeks ago, and today I'm standing at the bottom of the north stack. I'm really not at all sure about this anymore. Lanie Whiting, from Arrow FM, has just climbed up and done a live broadcast from the top, and if she can do it.......
A steelplejack helps me get my harness on - one of them will be following me up and I feel reassured by this. The wind is really getting up and I wonder if the climb will be cancelled. I secretly hope it will, the ladder just up to the 60' base seems very high. We begin to climb the wooden ladder, I fix my eyes on the concrete directly in front of me all the way (see main picture). When I finally make it, and climb off the ladder and on to the scaffold boards at the top, I simply sit, gripping the metal scaffold poles for a good five minutes, wondering exactly why I'd just put myself through the ordeal. The view was amazing - I took several pictures but couldn't really concentrate - I was dreading the return trip. After being tied on again, we slowly descended, eyes firmly fixed ahead once again.
Ten minutes later, and one very happy, if a touch pale graphic designer is back on the ground. I'm very glad I did it, but to say I enjoyed it - well, no!
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This page last updated: 14/04/2002