Demolition works continue at Rugeley Power Station site

A controlled demolition of the ductwork around the main chimney took place on Thursday morning.

The ductwork removal is necessary to enable the safe demolition of the chimney structure, which will take place at a later date.

It was made of steel and was approximately 26 ft in diameter and 98 ft from the ground. Before the demolition, bosses said although the initiation and collapse may be heard outside of the boundary fence, any noise would be over quickly.

A local exclusion zone was put in place before, during and immediately after the blast.

Work demolishing the site had to be paused earlier this year – like many other major projects – due to the coronavirus pandemic. But ENGIE bosses have said the chimney and cooling towers were still scheduled for demolition this year – with the rest of the demolition due to be complete in 2021.

In January both Cannock Chase and Lichfield District councils approved outline plans to transform the site into 2,300 homes, housing for the elderly, commercial buildings and a primary school.

In May a revised planning application for the site was submitted which includes either an all-through school or a primary school and new sports provision.

Councillor Mark Winnington, the county council’s economic growth leader, said: “This will be a tremendous development for our county and one of the first of its kind in the country.

“The old Rugeley Power Station site will be transformed into a modern and sustainable community with a focus on healthy lifestyles.”