Redcar’s last steelworks was demolished and 105,000 tonnes of steel were demolished in 30 seconds
The demolition of Redcar Steelworks has been named the “best demolition job in the world” after 105,000 tonnes of steel was safely removed in under 30 seconds.
The “explosive blast” led to the destruction of Basic Oxygen’s steelworks, one of the largest British demolitions of the last 75 years.
1
Prudhoe-based demolition contractor Thompsons was named Contractor of the Year at the 2023 World Demolition Awards in Toronto, Canada, after completing the project ahead of schedule, on budget and without any accidents.
The destruction, which took place on October 1, 2022, required 1,680 kg of explosive charges and 3,800 meters of blast line and took a 20-person team more than 18 months to plan.
The plant was the largest structure at the legendary steelworks, which produced steel for facilities such as the Sydney Harbor Bridge, Wembley Stadium and The Shard over its 170-year history.
Its destruction was the largest single project on the 4,500-acre site and now makes possible the next Construction begins at Teesworks, supporting the 25-year vision to create a new industrial site that will create thousands of jobs.
Tom Koerner, operations manager at Thompsons of Prudhoe, said: “Our team has delivered one of Europe’s largest demolition projects with incredible skill, high quality service and attention to detail at every stage – and we are all so proud to have this work recognized by one . “global scale.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “Clearing the Redcar Steelworks site was a mammoth task that required the best of the best, which is why we called in Thompsons of Prudhoe.”
“This award is testament to their tireless work on the site to help us make progress.
“Our plan is to transform the Teesworks site quickly, but we want it to be done to the highest standards to attract the biggest and best investment from around the world.”
