6 of the biggest demolitions in the UK

Demolition gets rid of the old and makes way for the new. 

Here at UK Diamond Drilling, we’re providers of safe controlled demolitions and Brokk robotic demolition. Naturally, we’re interested in the industry’s major UK demolition projects to discover the scope of what can be achieved. 

That’s why we’ve taken a deep dive into the country’s most ambitious demolition projects. Let’s take a look. 

6 of the biggest demolitions in the UK

Grain Power Station 

The chimney of Grain Power Station is the largest structure to be demolished on British soil, standing at a staggering 801 feet. When the Large Combustion Plant Directive came in, the station didn’t meet the new standards of limiting flue gases for a station of that thermal capacity. The dismantling of the power station began in 2014 and the huge chimney was finally demolished in 2016. 

Redcar Steel Plant 

Brought down in a dramatic explosive demolition, Redcar Steel Plant’s demise was thought to be heard up to eight miles away. Occurring in 2022, it was one of the largest explosive demolitions this country has seen in 75 years. Redcar used to be a thriving steelworks, producing thousands of tonnes of iron per day. It finally closed its doors in 2015, seven years before its final demolition. 

Drapers’ Gardens

Designed by architect Richard Seifert, this London high-rise soared to 328 feet and 30 storeys. It stood for forty years and was used primarily as bank offices. Demolished in 2007, it was the tallest building in the UK to undergo demolition. It was replaced by a new modern development which was designed to meet the needs of more contemporary office workers. 

The Great Wheel 

We need to go back a century for this next one. The Great Wheel was a London landmark in Earls Court that was built in 1895 for the Empire of India Exhibition. Standing at 308 feet tall, it was certainly an impressive site and was ridden by the public in 40 cars, each of which had a capacity for 30 people. However, it gradually became unprofitable and was finally demolished in 1907. 

Southwark Towers

Ever wondered what came before The Shard? The answer was Southwark Towers, a high-rise building that was demolished in 2008 to make way for the now iconic structure. Southwark Towers was impressive in its own right, standing at 330 feet and overtaking Drapers’ Garden as the biggest UK structure to be demolished. The structure was dismantled into separate pieces due to its proximity to other buildings. 

Tait Tower

This demolition in Glasgow wins a place on the list for the effort that went into building this tower only for it to be demolished one year later. Constructed in 1938 for the city’s empire exhibition, it had a distinctive Art Deco style and was Scotland’s tallest building at the time. However, it was demolished the next year in 1939 when the exhibition finished. Astonishingly, that’s because this 300-foot building was only ever intended to be temporary. 

Here at UK Diamond Drilling, we ensure the safe demolition of structures. We’re experts in diamond drilling and sawing, using these techniques to assist with safe and efficient demolitions. We also have Brokk robotic demolition capabilities for ultimate precision. Do you have a demolition project on the horizon? Speak to our team today.