Top third of Tyneside landmark now gone as work continues.
One of Tyneside’s most recognisable landmarks is disappearing from the skyline.
Demolition of Derwent Towers in Gateshead – known locally as the Dunston Rocket – has reduced the once imposing 30-storey tower to just 19 storeys.
Workers from Coleman and Company have spent the past five months working to bring the block to the ground, to make way for homes, shops, and community facilities.
Leader of Gateshead Council, Mick Henry, said: “Even as the demolition continued, people have continued to be fascinated by this building. However fascinating it has become though, it certainly wasn’t somewhere that local people wanted to live.
“Seeing the demolition moving into the final stages means another tie with Gateshead’s past is being lost – but it’s one that local people are very happy to see gone.
“In its place will come new homes for families and new community facilities; a place that people want to call home; something which the Rocket – despite its famous design – never achieved.”
The tower, which has dominated Gateshead for 40 years, is expected to be flattened by the end of this year.
Read more here or view the excellent video – complete with Barber’s Adagio for Strings soundtrack – below:
