Last remains of power station to be demolished

The last remains of Blyth Power Station are to be removed after being given the green light.
Former Blyth Power Station site GV.
REF 2407140530Former Blyth Power Station site GV.
REF 2407140530
Former Blyth Power Station site GV. REF 2407140530

The station closed in 2001 with the buildings on site being demolished over two years, concluding with the demolition of the chimneys on December 7, 2003.

Now, RWE Generation UK plc has been given planning permission to demolish structures, used for the water outfall, on Cambois beach – part of the former Blyth A and B Power Station.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

While in operation, the water was returned to the sea by a reinforced concrete outfall structure across the beach, which discharged into the sea just below the low water mark.

During the demolition of the power station, this outfall structure was partially demolished to below beach level.

However, occasionally certain weather conditions can change the levels of sand on the beach and expose parts of the structure.

Now local firm Southbay Civil Engineering Ltd has been appointed to break out and remove as much of the remains of the former cooling water outfall structure as possible.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In addition, a new rock groyne will be constructed to cover any remaining part of the former outfall.

Planning permission, licences and consents have been secured for the work to take place over the coming months.

In preparation for the start of this work, some vegetation clearance will take place.

The removal work is expected to begin in late March and will be carried out during low tidal periods and appropriate weather conditions.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Public access to the beach may be affected for short periods during the project, however, we will be focussing on minimising any disruption.

The works are expected to be completed by the end of summer 2016.

RWE will continue to provide information related to this project throughout the work.

Steve Boughton, head of RWE Generation UK Business Development, said: “We want to ensure that this stretch of Cambois beach remains safe to use for everyone.

“We will be working with local authorities and agencies over the coming months and will ensure that we publicise relevant information about this project effectively.”