Demolition starts on derelict Stoke-on-Trent gasometer (UPDATE)
DEMOLITION work has started at a derelict Stoke-on-Trent gasometer.
The iconic but long-disused gas holder in Etruscan Street, Etruria, is set to be replaced by up to 11 industrial units.
Families living in the gasometer's shadow, which has dominated the area's skyline for decades, welcomed the fact that it is finally being dismantled, and that new jobs will be created.
The demolition work, which is expected to be completed by the end of June, will also remove various low level buildings, containers and pipework from the site.
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Watermeadow Grove resident Zoe Bradbury believes the demolition of the gasometer will give house prices a boost.
The 29-year-old accounts assistant said: "I think it is good that the gas holder is coming down.
"I've been living here about a year now, and it didn't put me off, but I think going forward people around here will be glad they're going, especially those who are selling their homes.
"If I'm honest I don't really mind that they're going to build industrial units there instead, as there are already some further down the road. It will definitely be better than what's there at the moment."
Lisa Whitmore, aged 38, of Lakeside Close, said: "We moved in here in 2004, and we purchased our home on the basis that the tower was going to come down within a couple of years, so we have been waiting quite a while.
"Our house doesn't look out onto the gas holder, so it doesn't affect us as much as others, but I won't really miss it at all.
"As long as the industrial units they're building aren't too high, they shouldn't be a problem."
Joel Williams, of Lakeside Close, said the gasometer was part of the Potteries' industrial heritage.
But he was glad new jobs would be created.
The 32-year-old caterer said: "I think it's great that there are going to be industrial units there, which will create jobs for the area.
"I sort of got used to the gas holder within six months of moving in here, and I suppose I will miss it in a way when it's gone, but you've got to move forward, and jobs are important."
The gasometer was part of Etruria Gas Works, which was opened in 1904, six years before the federation of the six towns.
But the advent of North Sea Gas in the 1970s meant there was no longer a need to store gas reserves.
Two larger gas holders on the site were dismantled in the 1990s.
But the third structure was allowed to remain as a monument to the area's industrial past.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council granted Partshare Ltd planning permission to develop the site for modern industrial units last November.
Comments
by Coasterbuff
Friday, May 11 2012, 8:02PM
“I see the editor has rectified the mistake about it being the last gasmeter in stoke on trent after a few people commented that it wasn't. Thank you.”
by Clem51
Friday, May 11 2012, 2:07PM
“by CoasterbuffFriday, May 11 2012, 12:44PM
"Some people think the gasometers are an eyesore however, some are very structurally beautiful and architecturally designed very well. It is a shame that people want to constantly knock down the past to make way for the future developments. One example of how the past structures can be incorporated is The Dudston Centre. The architect who designed the building has designed it to make use of the bottle kilns which are still there. It is a shame that most of Stoke On Trent's pottery history is being knocked down. I am sure the same could happen for the gasometers which are begin knocked down. The frames could be used as advertising space and the space inside could be used as office space once it has been cleansed and all H&S regulations have been put into place making the space inside them safe for people to work in."
What a good idea Coasterbuff. You'd have to burn some windows and doors into the structure, but it could end up looking quite a nice building!”
by Coasterbuff
Friday, May 11 2012, 12:44PM
“Some people think the gasometers are an eyesore however, some are very structurally beautiful and architecturally designed very well. It is a shame that people want to constantly knock down the past to make way for the future developments. One example of how the past structures can be incorporated is The Dudston Centre. The architect who designed the building has designed it to make use of the bottle kilns which are still there. It is a shame that most of Stoke On Trent's pottery history is being knocked down. I am sure the same could happen for the gasometers which are begin knocked down. The frames could be used as advertising space and the space inside could be used as office space once it has been cleansed and all H&S regulations have been put into place making the space inside them safe for people to work in.”
by lordship1942
Friday, May 11 2012, 11:23AM
“''i think the one at the junction of anchor road/dividy road is still used to store gas....im 69 now but in my ealy 20's paint this one while employed as a steeplejack”
by Melteaser
Friday, May 11 2012, 10:58AM
“You're right Coasterbuff. I pass the one at the junction of Anchor Rd, Dividy Rd and Park Hall Rd daily.”
by Coasterbuff
Friday, May 11 2012, 10:51AM
“Nice story but I think Factually wrong. I am sure there is one up the roundabout at Anchor Road/Park Hall road junction.”