Fawley Power Station: End of an era as 650ft chimney is demolished
Video report by ITV News Meridian's Mike Pearse
The 650ft chimney at Fawley Power Station in Hampshire has been demolished (October 31) as part of an ongoing project to redevelop the site.
At exactly 7am in the pouring rain, crowds watched on as the landmark was razed to the ground by explosives.
The structure, in between the villages of Fawley and Calshot, has been there for half a century, and could be seen for miles around as a prominent part of the southern skyline.
For many it was the end of an era and a place hundreds of local people had been employed, while for some it was an eyesore.
The remaining southern end of the Turbine Hall was also part of Sunday's demolition.
Fawley Power Station began operation in 1971 as an oil-fired power station but was closed in March 2013 after it was deemed harmful to the environment.
When it was built it was the largest and most efficient facility of its kind.
Now it is going to be turned into a major redevelopment project with homes, leisure facilities, and the creation of thousands of jobs.
It was expected the chimney would be kept but as part of the development, but planners decided against that part of the plan.
Watch: Sections of the power station have been demolished in recent years to make way for the new development
Aldred Drummond, CEO of Fawley Waterside Ltd said: "Fawley Power Station was the largest and most efficient power station of its time, the chimney is totemic, one both loved as a landmark by some and disliked by others as a symbol of fossil fuel power.
"I’ve looked at this chimney for over 40 years and at one stage had considered repurposing it as a viewing platform and restaurant. Once this opportunity was removed through the planning process I some time ago concluded that it can be replaced with a building of much greater elegance that will itself become a beloved local landmark.
"Today should be considered the start of a cleaner and greener future for the site."
What exactly will Fawley Power Station be replaced with?
Developers plan to build around 1,500 homes on the site, consisting of one bedroom studios and flats, family houses and apartments, and large detached marine villas.
'Fawley Waterside' will also comprise of shops, cafes, restaurants, doctors surgery, health centre and fitness facilities.
The existing Turbine Hall basement will be converted into an underground car park for residents and visitors.
You can find out more about the planned development here.