Changes in gas storage technology spells end for Victorian-era landmarks.
Developments in gas storage networks mean many of these Victorian Grade-II listed iron structures are now surplus to requirements and the major gas network operators want to demolish them.
National Grid, the country’s largest listed utility, last week revealed plans to demolish 76 gas holders at a cost of £79 million. Southern Gas Networks have plans in place to tear down 111 during the next 16 years, with 55 sites earmarked for demolition within the next six years at a cost of £30 million.
The demolition plans threaten some famous sites, such as the gasometers that form a backdrop to The Oval cricket ground.
“A decision on the future of our London depot gas holder, which is next to the Oval Cricket Ground, has yet to be reached,” said Southern Gas Networks.
Any such move will be music to the ears of specialist demolition contractors like Birmingham-based Coleman and Company which has developed a global reputation for its ability to dismantle these potentially flammable structures and which already has the dismantling of the Battersea Power Station gasholders to contend with in the coming months.
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