Gasometer runs out as dismantling process progresses

Planning permission was granted for the removal of the giant structure in 2019, and now work has finally started on the process at Wellington Street and Eastgate.

National Grid have now started dismantling the giant panels of the circular gasholder near Westminster Car Park, which was constructed by Newton Chambers & Co. in 1949.

According to an application form submitted by Firstplan, it read: "The site itself was used as a holder station during the second half of the nineteenth century during which time numerous holders have been erected and removed from the gasworks.

"Indeed, by 1888 as many as four gasholders are known to have been occupied the wider former gasworks.

"It comprises a three lift, spiral guided gasholder with an above ground tank and a capacity of 2,000,000 cubic ft. The spiral-guided gas holder was patented in 1887 by W. Gadd and W. F. Mason, and was built in Northwich, Cheshire in 1890.

"The Peterborough gasholder subject to this prior notification is, therefore, a late example of an ordinary type and construction, and provides very limited visual or technological interest."

The submission stated that all associated plant, pipework and equipment associated with the gasholder would be disconnected and decommissioned before the dismantling begins.

"Regarding the process itself, much of the dismantling process will take place from inside out, therefore containing much of the works within the structure and limiting the potential noise nuisance caused.

"The works will take place via both cold methods, utilising heavy duty machinery, and hot methods, by hand."

Beyond removal of the gasholder, a shallow void will be created of 1.5m in depth, with no other works are proposed. The concrete bases beneath the holder and other buildings will remain in situ.

The ground view of the work. By Terry Harris