04/09/2015

Cockenzie Power Station To Be Demolished

Details regarding the demolition of the former Cockenzie Power Station site have been released.

A controlled explosive demolition will take place at noon on Saturday 26 September which will involve the twin chimney stacks at the site being razed to the ground.

Following the chimney demolition, a second controlled explosion will be initiated in order to bring down the turbine hall structure. The twin chimney stacks stand 149 metres tall, and were constructed in time for the coal station opening in 1967. The turbine hall structure is predominantly made of steel, and measures 220 metres in length, 41 metres in width and 31 metres in height.

The demolition will be undertaken by Brown and Mason.

In order to allow the demolition to be carried out safely, an exclusion zone will be in place from 9am on the day. It will cover the Greenhills, sections of Edinburgh Road and the John Muir Way, as well as extending in to the Firth of Forth. Traffic restrictions will also be in place in the vicinity of the power station from 7am. Diversionary routes will be signposted for motorists.

George Camps, ScottishPower Project Manager, said: "The demolition of the chimney stacks and the turbine hall requires careful planning. Even though the structures will be brought to the ground in a matter of seconds, months of preparations are needed to make sure that everything goes according to plan.

"We have also been working closely with Police Scotland and East Lothian Council to put sensible safety precautions in place. The chimney stacks are visible for many miles and we would encourage anyone wishing to view the demolition to plan their location in advance and to be aware of the temporary safety restrictions that are in place."

Willie Innes, East Lothian Council Leader, added: "The demolition of the chimneys will be a visible and final signal of the end of Cockenzie Power Station which has been a presence in the life of many local residents. I know for some people the demolition will bring mixed feelings but the local communities are already focussed on helping to plan the future of the site and are excited about the new opportunities that may be offered here."

(JP)

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