Steelworks demolition is ‘bittersweet’, says mayor

A former steelworks has been torn down in what is believed to be one of the biggest demolitions in the UK.

Dramatic pictures of the 213ft Basic Oxygen Steelmaking (BOS) plant in Redcar being blown up emerged after Ben Houchen, the Tees Valley mayor, pressed the button to detonate yesterday morning.

According to the Tees Valley Combined Authority, the demolition, which used around 1.6 tons of explosives, is one of the largest of its kind ever to take place in the UK.

Mr Houchen described the moment as “bittersweet” but said the building had remained unused since its closure seven years ago.