Hi,

Just been past Grange towerblock on the tram and all the "WARNING - DEMOLITION" signs have been put up fencing around it, anyone know what it's due to be brought down and if it's going to be a nice exciting demolition with explosives or just a boring bit-by-bit job? :)

It's going to be a Big Bang

If it's going to be a big bang, does anyone know when? I've not seen one for a couple of years, but it's a fab feeling to see and feel the vibration, and watch it slowly tumble! :clap:

well it was supposed to have been coming down in january but presumably yet again they are behind schedule:rolleyes:

haven't heard of a date yet even though i live nearby but shall post when i hear of it:)

After a quick search I found this: http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/index.asp?pgid=28820

Which states the approx date for completion of 15th July 2005, which is nice..

It also states the contract is worth nearly £500k - I should be knocking stuff down, not building it!

The blowdown of Grange Block is provisionally booked for 24th April 2005, noon.

July will be the completion date for clearing the site afterwards (just a little optimistic?)

Bear in mind that the dates often change...tho the original date was mid December, then the end January, now April. The site is becoming more and more unsafe and I doubt they'll postpone it by much longer.

Originally they were planning to bring the cranes in and nibble away at Grange like they did Claywood, but in my opinion that just wouldn't have been right. This is the last of the fifteen, and should go in some serious style!!

Providing I am not in labour (it's a bit close, lol!) I will be there front and centre to witness the end of an era. I haven't missed any of the other 14. Fingers crossed I make it!

Cosy

Thanks for the update Cosy!

I'll definately be there for the big bang! :clap:

K x

which tower block is this? where abouts in sheffield?

Is it the one that the tram passes, near the old squash club near B&Q?

Yes I can't think where this one is either!? Anyone got any pics?

Grange tower block is at the bottom (ish) of Park Grange Road. It's now the only tower left on the Norfolk Park Estate. It can be seen from a good proportion of the city centre.

K x

Here's a streetmap (I hope). It's actually on the other side of Park Grange Road to the arrow, but I could only remember the postcode for the Forum on Park Grange Drive.

Grange block (http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=436451&y=385752&z=0&sv=S2+3SF&st=2&pc=S2+3SF&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf)

Cosy.

PS it's huge and white, and hard to miss if you're anywhere remotely near Granville roundabout...:D

looks like more people who could have had a cheep flat may end up on the street then.

And forcing house prices even further up.

Originally posted by jonsastar
looks like more people who could have had a cheep flat may end up on the street then.

And forcing house prices even further up.

Nobody wanted to live there thogh Jon.

It would have taken such a lot of money for the refurbishment, it's cheaper and more viable to start again.

I don't know of you've been around there lately, but the new properties they've built across the road from Grange look really nice. Let's hope it continues, and there's more regeneration for the area.

K x

Originally posted by Kristian
Nobody wanted to live there thogh Jon.

It would have taken such a lot of money for the refurbishment, it's cheaper and more viable to start again.

I don't know of you've been around there lately, but the new properties they've built across the road from Grange look really nice. Let's hope it continues, and there's more regeneration for the area.

K x

Houses could be the operative word, as you dont see many familys on the street, flats are generaly housing for people who live alone. And these are the ones who generally end up on the street.

But your right I havent seen the flats that no one wanted to live in.

As long as the council replaces the places they are destroying then the homeless people will have homes, but if they only build houses there is no where for them to go, as the council will not rent a house to a single person.(and it is also uneconomial)

I hope they have a huge rebuild plan on the way with some nice new housing that also caters for single renters at a cheap enough price.

Actually, the new flats on Norfolk Park have been more popular than anyone had foreseen. So to suggest no-one wants them is a little behind the times.

As for affordable housing, there are Housing Association properties being built on the estate, and some others have been refurbished. There is also a new scheme on the way that will allow people to buy a home on Norfolk Park at 70% or so of the asking price, and preference will be given to former residents from the estate. Even those of us with low paying jobs will be able to buy with minimal risk.

I do agree that it seems a lot more properties are coming down across Sheffield than are being built, and I've heard the argument about flats for one person, tho I also know several single males who have managed to get single or 2 bedroom flats from the Council without any problems whatsoever. A new issue about it is arising in Arbourthorne, where lots of 2 bedroom properties will become 4 bedroom properties, as it is perceived that more family housing is needed. I'd love to hear some proper numbers upon which these assumptions are based.

There were, by the way, quite a few people who didn't want to leave Grange. But most of the people resident there were quite elderly, and had lived there for a good proportion of their lives.

Originally posted by cosywolf
Actually, the new flats on Norfolk Park have been more popular than anyone had foreseen. So to suggest no-one wants them is a little behind the times.

I think you misunderstood me Cosy. I meant that people didn't want to move into Grange in it's unmodernised state.

Originally posted by cosywolf
There were, by the way, quite a few people who didn't want to leave Grange. But most of the people resident there were quite elderly, and had lived there for a good proportion of their lives.

My Great-Aunt lived there for donkeys years until her death in 2001. She had never wanted to move from there, she was really happy, so I agree with you on this point.

I wouldn't have thought there were many people wanting to move in there to rplace lost tennants though.

K x

Oops, Kristian, I was responding to jonsastar's comments about the new flats after you mentioned them...

Originally posted by jonsastar

But your right I havent seen the flats that no one wanted to live in.



not actually to you, who I agree with. Sorry, long, long day, LOL.

If anyone has any specific points they want to make about Norfolk Park, btw, tonight's the night to do it. Norfolk Park Community FOrum are holding their AGM:

6pm buffet
6.30 meeting
at the new Extra Care Facility, Park Grange Road.

It's a public meeting.

For more info ring NPCF on 2797617

See you there!

Cosy:D

free meal! :D


I thought this block was here to stay, seemed alittle more complete than the others which all looked run down. Mind you i haven't been up close to it at all. Perhaps i shall visit some time soon.

RE: lack of housing, this place has been empty for ages surely, so i don't think there is any impending unit shortage round the corner.

Also saying the flats at the grange were probably for single people is strange - i don't wish to generalise but these council houses are usually filled with more than one person, either shared occupancy or a family - so i don't think anyone coming from those flats will be in a position where they couldn't find any alternative housing.

This gives a bit more info about the demolition of Grange

http://sccplugins.sheffield.gov.uk/press/news/aRelease.asp?akey=858&Mon=01/11/2002

and the options that were available to incumbent tenants. It also suggests that the demolition work could cost £745,000!!!

Originally posted by AndrewC
Also saying the flats at the grange were probably for single people is strange - i

I did not say were for single people, I was saying that a lack from knocking all the flats down in Sheff means less half decent affordable housing for people who live alone or dont want to share, I am fully aware that flats are not just for single people it would be absurd to think so, like I said I was making a point of affordable housing.

I do not like tower blocks any way and it isnt a bad thing that they go, as long as we have them replaced with good affordable housing there shouldnt be a homeless problem should there.

I heard that some council houses near Samuel Road were earmarked to be replaced, does anyone else know whether this is true???

Apparently a tenant asked to purchase hers through the "right to buy" scheme only to be told she couldn't as they were going to be demolished and replaced with newer houses.

Last year the Council bought the Jervis Lum pub on Park Grange Rd and demolished it.

I also heard the council bought the old CO-OP at Norfolk Park last year in an auction, presumably this will be demolished too, is there plans to replace the whole shopping precinct with a new one?

with respect to the demolition of Grange itself, I think they'll have to use cranes and balls as the block is too close to the new Queens Tower Development to use explosives.

It's taken them years to renovate, rebuild and build new structures at Queens Tower and given the proximity to Grange (i.e. right next door) a load of explosives would probably cause strucural damage of some sort.

hmm, interesting thought bertie, seeing as the claywood flats had plenty of spare room around them - and yet they were still demolished bit by bit - i guess the space might not be a factor?

yes, I can't see any contractor taking the risk with explosives, or if they were foolhardy enough, being able to get the consents required

i hadn't thought about the new queens tower development being so close by but i do think they will have a 'blowdown' still. i thought the mickley block may have had to come down peice by peice as it was more or less on the main road itself right by the tram stop but they still blew it up and as far as i know it caused no damage to surrounding structures.

i am pleased with the redevelopment of the area, i was sad to have to be rehoused from my childhood home which was a vic hallam demolished in 2001 but we did get a new house, albeit smaller and with one less bedroom but i wouldn't want to deprive the families with more children than us of the three/ four bedroomed houses etc either.

the flats (duplex's) look odd in shape i think, as do some of the houses for that matter LOL but as a whole i think the area is improving no end.
a new shopping precinct is planned for a more central place on the estate so the old shopping area will soon be demolished i am presuming.

all in all, it may be taking its time but the redevlopment is a good thing in my eyes.:) :clap:

Blow down - so far the Council are planning on demolition by explosive, using the same company who did the previous blow downs.

The Co-op - sorry, mate it is well and truly gone!!! It came down before Christmas. Soon to follow will be the Social Centre next to it, which will close it's doors very shortly. Then the shops.
Where, you may ask, are the shops and community facilities to replace them?? Good question - still on the drawing board!

Further properties to come down on the estate: the old low rise flats that are already empty are coming down. Not a lot else, though. Currently it seems to be a bit of a lottery as to whether the developers can afford to buy the already empty plots that have been demolished as someone forgot to take into account the fact that prices might rise in the future...D'oh!

So will I see any of you tonight? Look for scruffy preggers lass, lol. Stuffing my face at the buffet :o)

Cosy

I thought the houses on Samuel Rd were coming down, but perhaps they may be staying up a while longer! The Horse and Lion pub looks like it will fall down soon!

Is the Fellbrigg still around? If not where is there locally to go for a beer?

My Dad used to go in The Felbrigg years ago, and I was always really scared when I went in with him!

K X

The Felbrigg is now a church. The Captive Queen is erm....A church. The Jervis Lum is erm....A patch of soil and that just leaves the most unattractive pub in Sheffield (IMO), the Horse And Lion!.

the jervis lum was pulled down last year, the fellbrigg is now a church as is the captive queen. the horse and lion is the only remaining pub but to be honest seems to change hands every few months. i haven't been there for years so i wouldn't know what its like but it is the only pub around here now:rolleyes: :)

Originally posted by vidster
The Felbrigg is now a church. The Captive Queen is erm....A church. The Jervis Lum is erm....A patch of soil and that just leaves the most unattractive pub in Sheffield (IMO), the Horse And Lion!.

A church? You're havin' a laugh! After all the trouble I've seen / heard about in there, I can't believe the Christian's have taken it over.

In addition, (and no offence meant!), I can't believe there would be that much call for a church for the Captive Queen AND the Felbrigg to be churches? If so, where on earth did they go before? :confused:

Good luck though to any regeneration projects; I used to know a lot of the locals, and they were nice folk! (Most of them :D )

K x

i think they are more 'community' bases, i mean, they even knocked down the church, the original one:confused: so now the fellbrigg is st leonards i believe. it has community based stuff there like a creche etc.
the main thing it seems is its community driven, it is a good thing but there was a lot of protest as to losing the pubs. it can be a little unnerving, all the change, and we're not always going to be pleased with everything all of the time but i suppose time will settle things down.:)

Originally posted by kblade
i think they are more 'community' bases, i mean, they even knocked down the church, the original one:confused: so now the fellbrigg is st leonards i believe. it has community based stuff there like a creche etc.
the main thing it seems is its community driven, it is a good thing but there was a lot of protest as to losing the pubs. it can be a little unnerving, all the change, and we're not always going to be pleased with everything all of the time but i suppose time will settle things down.:)

I think it's great that there are more facilities like creches, but I don't think it's great that there are no places to go for a beer, no matter how rough they are / were!

While I wouldn't have relished going there every night, I equally wouldn't relish going miles for a beer every night if I lived around there!

K x

i see part of a community is a pub, its a place for people to unwind and socialise. we used to go to the jervis for a drink now and again but theres nowhere now. yes we could go to the horse and lion i suppose but we don't 'know' it if you know what i mean.
i hope there will be a pub in the future for the estate, a new start in that respect aswell as all they are ploughing into everything else:)

Pubs - a sore point on Norfolk Park, lol.

I'm afraid the days of the Horse and Lion appear to be numbered. There have been attempts to turn it into offices for local organisations, and discussion about just closing it down.
I am a real believer in the community having a place to gather for a drink and socialising...if we were guaranteed to have the Social Centre replaced, it wouldn't be such an immediate loss, BUT>>> Last night it was made clear to us that there won't be any new community facilities, medical centre, etc for at least 2 more years.<<<

Insane? Yep. It's heartbreaking to see it all going so wrong.

BTW, the Fellbrigg is now The Beacon, an amalgamation of St Pauls and St Leonards, and has a community remit. They run coffee morning and are very involved with young people on the estate. But no, it wasn't a popular thing at first, and as fast as they renovated the building, it was vandalised. We particularly like the sign, which spews fire out...we thought it might be seen as an invitation, lol...but so far they have done well and made themselves popular.

The Church of the Nazarene (the Captive Queen) is an American sect, but they too are starting to move out into the community.

A friend of mine who works in Norfolk Park told me that there won't be a 'big bang' at Grange, but they were going to chip it away in the same way as they did Claywood.

Does anyone know if there have been changes to the plan?

K x

Okay, latest news.

Grange will be BLOWN DOWN, not nibbled. The date for the blow down is still expected to be the 24th April. Work on site is currently up to date.

They are using the same demolition company they used for the previous blow downs.

Blow down should occur at 12 noon.

Cosy

The Grange block will be blown down on the morning of Sun 24 April - barring any unforseen delays. It is the last of the fifteen tower blocks still standing on Norfolk Park. Meg Munn MP has been invited to press the button, along with the child winner of a competition being organised at Norfolk Community Primary School. (NB Apart from being the local MP, Meg was born in the area). The 9 children runner-ups in the compettion will be invited to attend as guests. Guests will also include former residents of Grange block, some of whom now live elsewhere on Norfolk Park, including the Extra Care Home. Gleesons, the developers, will be funding the refreshments for the invited guests.

The boarded-up Jervis Lum pub was demolished last year, along with the delapidated newsagents (which was opposite the Area Housing office further up Park Grange Road). The old Co-op was demolished a few months back, and the crumbling and oft vandalised Social Centre has now closed, and will also be demolished. It was frequently burgled, and was under-used.

The new housing on Norfolk Park, plus the Extra Care Home, was recently visited by the Housing Minister, Keith Hill MP. The Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott MP, also visited Norfolk Park last year. Both were impressed by the transformation of the estate.

The new build includes social housing to rent. This avoids replication of a monolithic council estate, but ensures a social mix on the estate. The new build is a fantastic sight from various parts of the city. There are only a few properties left for sale - such is the popularity of living on Norfolk Park. However, the former Beeches and Kenninghall sites will shortly be re-developed.

Green eco-homes are to be built adjacent to the new school, which will provide affordable homes for local people. Get this - the heating costs for these green homes will be approx £100 p.a. Beat that! The council have transferred ownership of the land to the Environmental Trust - well done the city council!

The former Mickley site is to be redeveloped as a new hub for the estate, and a mini-Masterplan is currently being prepared.

The former Fellbrigg pub is now the Beacon church. The former Saint Leonards church (near the GP surgery) was dismantled and carted away in a day a few months ago. Not sure where it's now been re-erected though.

Norfolk Park is on the up after many years of decline. New housing, new school, new Extra Care home, new church, and a new feel about the estate. You can even rent a £250,000 flat in the recently renovated Queens Tower development (also a listed building). Norfolk Park is just a couple of tram stops away from the city centre, and is adjacent to the Norfolk Heritage Park (which is also listed). You also get incredible views of the city centre, and the Peak District moors (currently white with snow, but purple in August when the heather is in flower).

So, come along to the blow-down (but remember that the trams & buses will not be running for a while, and Park Grange Road will be closed to through traffic during the actual demolition). Celebrate with both the young and old residents of Norfolk Park what will be a momentous occasion. The blow down will not only signal the end of an era, but provide confirmation that Norfolk Park is well and truly the place to live!

Okay, lol, looks like Norfolk Park has a new community worker just in time for me to bow out...Please tell me you are being paid by someone to be so knowledgeable, redrobbo.

Originally posted by cosywolf
Okay, lol, looks like Norfolk Park has a new community worker just in time for me to bow out...Please tell me you are being paid by someone to be so knowledgeable, redrobbo.

Nope, I'm not a community worker, am not in any paid employment, and don't live on Norfolk Park. Have no relatives there either. Just have a strong interest in the area.

Update since my last post - due to the possibility of a general election, Meg Munn MP will be unable to jointly perform the blow-down due to legal constraints on parliamentary candidates (although she will still be invited to attend the event). Looks likely that a child from Norfolk Community Primary School will now perform the task either on their own or maybe with a former resident of the tower block? Not sure where the best viewing points are going to be though? Most are within the restricted zone. Still awaiting final details. But don't miss this exciting event folks!

Originally posted by redrobbo

Update since my last post - due to the possibility of a general election, Meg Munn MP will be unable to jointly perform the blow-down due to legal constraints on parliamentary candidates

You mean they're not allowed to go around blowing things up? What's the point of being an MP?

Originally posted by max
You mean they're not allowed to go around blowing things up? What's the point of being an MP?

Hello Max the Moderator. In answer to your query, an MP is of course entitled to go around blowing things down - as long as they have a legitimate reason to do so. However, during a general election period, Parliament will be dissolved. Ipso facto, there will not be any MPs, and strict rules are applied to media coverage - so that parliamentary candidates have a level playing field. I'm sure the local MP, Meg Munn, will still want to be at this significant event in Norfolk Park. Indeed, who would want to miss it? I hope you can make it as well Max!

Just had our letter this morning confirming the demolition of Grange Tower Block will take place at noon on Sunday the 24th of April.

Park Grange Road will be closed from 11:30am so come along and grab your places beforehand!:D

Say goodbye to Norfolk Parks last block standing! Its the end of an era!

Originally posted by kblade
Just had our letter this morning confirming the demolition of Grange Tower Block will take place at noon on Sunday the 24th of April.

Park Grange Road will be closed from 11:30am so come along and grab your places beforehand!:D

Say goodbye to Norfolk Parks last block standing! Its the end of an era!

Just to echo kblade - be there! Don't miss this event folks!

I'm definately going to be there! I love these things! :clap:

K x

There is not much of the block left standing now, it's beens tripped down to the bare "bones", I'm suprised it hasn't just fallen down.

Going to watch these demolitions are very efficient days out! (oh yeah, and nostalgic/significant/momentous, etc) - so catch the last one if you can -

Turn up
Watch building get blown up
Run away from clouds of concrete dust heading your way
Head to the pub (good piece of scheduling for pub opening times, too, btw).

All done and dusted (pardon terrible pun) within half an hour.

Date entered in diary! I'll be at the bottom of the Moor, camera ready!

Can anyone point me to any pictures or videos on the web or in archives of the old norfolk park blocks? Pictures of them standing, their demolition, and even their construction would be fascinating.

I've always held a fascination of high rise blocks. What were the ones at Norfolk park like to live in?

I lived there for six months about 10 years ago. The flats were a decent size and the view over the city was amazing. However the lifts and stairwells always smelled of urine.

I once got stuck in one of the lifts for about 2 hours, that was fun :gag:.

can I just check with the people that seem to know about this, is the demolition still scheduled for this Sunday at 12?

see you there everyone.

I believe so. I shall be there.

Also, did this thread get resurrected from the archives, or did my search the other day just not turn it up?

I hope so......I haven't seen any notices at the tram stops though yet...they normally stop the trams running apprx 30 minutes before etc.......

We went there on Sunday to see if any signs up etc and check out which side best to stand....I can't wait.........BOOOM!!!!!


:P

I think they have put all the explosives on already, certain columns are wrapped in black plastic.

The view will be much better for those new flats once it's gone.

Good views will be had from the railway bridge on Heeley Bank Road - adjacent to B&Q. To get closer, you will need to be on the grassed open space on Norfolk Park below the old Kenninghall site.

It's on Sunday 24 April at noon. Get there earlier. Expect crowds of thousands for this last blow-down of the Norfolk Park tower blocks. Boom Boom!

Is there any chance some of the Norfolk Park residents will be blown up with their building...
I will pay money to see it happen

:rant: Considering that the last residents in the block were elderly and vulnerable, and on the whole lovely people, Eddie_Sheff...that comment sucks.

Also considering the number of people I know who live on the estate who are amazing, community-minded, and caring and have seen their new 'dream estate' slowly go downhill over the last 30 years while they have struggled to maintain it and any community spirit they could, it's in pretty poor taste.

Yep, there are some spectacularly grotty people living there, too, but that sort seem to get everywhere. I've certainly worked in far worse areas with far worse people.:rant:

I'll be at the blow down (again, baby arrival allowing). We;ve even managed to get VIP passes to the marquee. I'll try and remember the camera.

RIP Grange, the last of the 15...

Originally posted by Eddie_shef
Is there any chance some of the Norfolk Park residents will be blown up with their building...
I will pay money to see it happen

Always nice to see a newbie have something pleasant and constructive to say! Welcome, I'm sure you'll make friends!

Originally posted by Eddie_shef
Is there any chance some of the Norfolk Park residents will be blown up with their building...
I will pay money to see it happen

Don't worry about this remark Kristian, I detect that our newbie is still growing up, and this is a just a silly, offensive, juvenile remark.

I'll be interested to see how many chunks of concrete and wrought iron land on the newly built/refurbished Queens Tower development as some of Queens Tower is perilously close to Grange Tower.....If I was the owner of Queens Tower I'd be standing there with my solicitor ready to serve the writ for malicious damage....

Originally posted by BertieBasset
I'll be interested to see how many chunks of concrete and wrought iron land on the newly built/refurbished Queens Tower development as some of Queens Tower is perilously close to Grange Tower.....If I was the owner of Queens Tower I'd be standing there with my solicitor ready to serve the writ for malicious damage....

If you ask me, the most malicious damage done to Queens Tower is the appalling 'development' of it. It's hideous.

Falling concrete could only be an improvement. How on earth Sheffield's planners let such an unsympathetic development happen to such a beautiful and interesting old building, I don't know...it's a crime.

I missed the last one. Couldn't crawl out of bed in time :(

What's so bad about Queens Tower?
Have you actually been inside and had a look around before making comments about it?
I live there, it's fantastic and a lot of original features remain, it would have been demolished too if the developer had'nt had the foresight to do what he has done.

Originally posted by ninjajaja
What's so bad about Queens Tower?
Have you actually been inside and had a look around before making comments about it?
I live there, it's fantastic and a lot of original features remain, it would have been demolished too if the developer had'nt had the foresight to do what he has done.

LOL, I don't live INSIDE it, so I have to cope with seeing the bodge they made of the OUTSIDE of it. A truly unsympathetic development that looks in places like they dumped portacabins on top of the original architecture...

But that's a topic for another thread.

Looks at this rate like I will be there for the blow down. This baby is firmly stuck in, lol. It'll be a mixed bag of nostalgia and relief, I'm betting. When those towers first went up, there were waiting lists to get into them.

I will be in the marquee on sunday, if you can find a portacabin anywhere near the top of Queens tower I would love to see it, you can point it out to me.
The new build in Queens tower is a typical modern block but the old part has been converted very sympathetically.

Is this ignorance or jealousy?

How do you get to Grange Tower? - directions!

i hope they leave all the smack heads in it when they blow it up:)

Originally posted by designbunny
How do you get to Grange Tower? - directions!

Its on Norfolk Park, the tram stops right outside it.

Originally posted by slh73
Its on Norfolk Park, the tram stops right outside it.

Right some confusion over the time. Not sure when the block itself is comign down but drove past today and at either side of the Park Grange tram stop is a road closure sign saying the times for road clousure will 11am- 1245 pm.

Of course with this happinging the tram won't be stopping there as the road will be closed. If you want to go by tram set off to arrive at about 1030.

I wanted to see it but I will be in church. It is on my normal route to church so alt. will have to be made, have to set off early but I can see that with it being a Sunday there will be no traffic problems, but you know the way if I set off as normal, traffic jams with spectators...

Who ever takes pics please post links on here.

if you can find a portacabin anywhere near the top of Queens tower I would love to see it, you can point it out to me.
The new build in Queens tower is a typical modern block but the old part has been converted very sympathetically.


I live very close to Queens Tower and i can see where Cosywolf is coming from. You have a very nice conversion there but what is it with the ridiculous new 'block' that looks like it has just been dropped on the roof?

Don't get me wrong. I'm not having a 'dig' at Queens Tower because i like it and i understand the love and dedication the owner has put into it over the last 10 years.
I just wish he hadn't put 'the block' on top of it :(

Is this ignorance or jealousy?

Sorry but Cosywolf probably knows more about the area than any of us.

Anyway! Back on subject....
The blowdown is scheduled for 12.00 noon on Sunday ;)

Note to anyone with a digital camera
Be sure to have your camera in focus before the blowdown! Don't be a Numpty like me and miss the block coming down :?

Originally posted by hotphil
I believe so. I shall be there.

Also, did this thread get resurrected from the archives, or did my search the other day just not turn it up?

I hunted it down a couple of weeks ago I think it was by going through page by page. Didn't think to do a search :rolleyes: :D

Originally posted by ninjajaja
I will be in the marquee on sunday, if you can find a portacabin anywhere near the top of Queens tower I would love to see it, you can point it out to me.
The new build in Queens tower is a typical modern block but the old part has been converted very sympathetically.

Is this ignorance or jealousy?

I'm sorry but that last remark I find very insulting!! I have lived on this estate for over 20 years and used to love the mystery of Queens Tower. Going down to the woods and peeking through the gates and looking out for the guard dogs etc. (anyway, beyond the point)

The point is yes, the insides of the apartments may be beautiful. I for one would love a look though I doubt 'we'd' get a look in! As a resident of a newbuild house (previously having lived in a house which was demolished) I hate the fact that the Queens Tower development has become a 'them and us' situation as in many of us who have lived our lives on the estate will be looked down upon because we don't live in the 'right place'.

I doubt very much Cosywolf is jealous and can tell you for a fact its not ignorance! The plain fact is, the building from the 'outside' is ugly! A huge clump of grey brick! They killed the Tower and its originality. A historic part of Norfolk Park has been destroyed:(

I bet even the ghost has moved out! ;) :P

If you stand on Herschell Rd off London Rd, the street frames the tower perfectly - a prime viewing point

FINAL REMINDER EVERYONE - IT'S TODAY AT 12.00 NOON!!!!!

Originally posted by redrobbo
FINAL REMINDER EVERYONE - IT'S TODAY AT 12.00 NOON!!!!!

And don't forget the road is closed from 11am till 1245pm the signs are either side of the Park Grange tram stop, but don't know exactly how much of the road will be closed.

We are going to try and drive past on the way to church it will be wried seeing it there then coming home in the afternoon it not being there...

WOOOOO!!!

Short but sweet!!

Watched it sneakily from the 12th floor of the Owen building at my uni!

I demand they do that every week just for my entertainment.

Well that was good. SPot on time too, remembered just in time to rush to the window.

My son was less than impressed. I think he was expecting rockets and flames etc when I told him we could watch a building being blown up.

I saw it!! It was very quick. Only took about 2 seconds and it was gone! The cloud of dust is heading towards heeley/meersbrook so get your washing in!!!

Wow - the view from my window has just improved.

Photos to follow :D

She's gone!

The last of the lot of 'em!

eerily sad! *sighs*

BOOOOOOOOOOM - I was surprised...didn't seem to be as many people there as the others we've gone to in the past...kids loved it !!!! :clap:

Saw a few fellow forumers there inc Kristian ......though Kristian seemed to be a little overdressed for the occasion...LOL :suspect:


Visit my movie clip of the demolition here (http://www.jusspress.com/Shiesh)

Originally posted by shieshuk

Saw a few fellow forumers there inc Kristian ......though Kristian seemed to be a little overdressed for the occasion...LOL :suspect:

I didn't see anybody I knew. I even wore my forum t-shirt for the occasion!

I was there. Didn't notice and Forum t-shirts there though. Took some pictures, but will have to wait to get them developed.

http://photobucket.com/albums/y166/Andrew_Shef/ <-- my pictures, in no particular order.

I also have a short video which I'll try to put up.

I saw no-one in a forum T-shirt either.....

Andy I already have a movie clip on my earlier posting above!!

:clap:

my pics

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/fudbeer/IMGP0059.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/fudbeer/IMGP0060.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/fudbeer/IMGP0061.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/fudbeer/IMGP0067.jpg

Originally posted by shieshuk


Andy I already have a movie clip on my earlier posting above!!


Your video is better than mine :D

Originally posted by shieshuk


Visit my movie clip of the demolition here (http://www.jusspress.com/Shiesh)

Great video!:clap:

Thank you!

that's clever shiesuk, fankew ... I took a similar one of the previous demolitions ... exciting but also a bit sad in a way ...

All the hard work that went into building them, all the lives played out there and POOF!!! gone in seconds ... still, whatever comes in place of that block can only be an improvement :thumbsup:

Not as good as angle as that other video, but whacked together this video (http://www.camstreams.com/ondemand/grangetower.mpg). It's a 4MB MPG file (should play in windows media player) but you might have to download it and save it to your machine first if your connection isn't very fast. Enjoy!

Originally posted by patc
Not as good as angle as that other video, but whacked together this video (http://www.camstreams.com/ondemand/grangetower.mpg). It's a 4MB MPG file (should play in windows media player) but you might have to download it and save it to your machine first if your connection isn't very fast. Enjoy!

Fantastic video.

Thanks

Tremendous video.

The demolition did seem to generate a phenominal amount of dust which seemed to spread over a wide area carried by the wind.

Just imagine what would have happened if yiu'd left the washing out!

Or if you'd just finished washing the car.

The video's are great! Nice work peeps :thumbsup:

Great videos and pics! I was there - an hour's anticipation for 4 seconds of action - sound familiar?

Like other forummers I also filmed it, got an amazing view and the shot composition of it was spot on (sorry, bragging).

Now I just need to capture and edit it for my archive of stock footage.

I'd post it online but Since it is from a Broadcast standard camera, it'd feel like an injustice to whack it down to mpeg compression and lose all the superb video and sound quality it possesses.

Wilf

Originally posted by shieshuk
Saw a few fellow forumers there inc Kristian ......though Kristian seemed to be a little overdressed for the occasion...LOL :suspect:
here (http://www.jusspress.com/Shiesh)

It was fantastic! End of an era, and although the last tower block is now down, Norfolk Park itself is well and truly on the up.

Just happen to know that Kristian was not only amongst the VIP guests, but he was also having lunch with the Lord Mayor after the blow-down.

Mmmmm, see what can happens when you become a Mod!?

Originally posted by BrainThrust
Like other forummers I also filmed it, got an amazing view and the shot composition of it was spot on (sorry, bragging).

Now I just need to capture and edit it for my archive of stock footage.

I'd post it online but Since it is from a Broadcast standard camera, it'd feel like an injustice to whack it down to mpeg compression and lose all the superb video and sound quality it possesses.

Wilf

Not many people would expect a post of digi betacam full frame 16:9 video that takes 6 hours to download before you can watch it... :)

Mine wasn't broadcast standard obviously (it's a Canon XL1S prosumer whatsit) but go on, you know you want to show everyone!

Originally posted by shieshuk
Saw a few fellow forumers there inc Kristian ......though Kristian seemed to be a little overdressed for the occasion...LOL :suspect:
here (http://www.jusspress.com/Shiesh)
Originally posted by redrobbo
It was fantastic! End of an era, and although the last tower block is now down, Norfolk Park itself is well and truly on the up.

Just happen to know that Kristian was not only amongst the VIP guests, but he was also having lunch with the Lord Mayor after the blow-down.

Mmmmm, see what can happens when you become a Mod!?

Overdressed? Moi? You're lucky my sequinned partydress was at the dry cleaners! :D

I've seen a few of the blocks come down before, but this was just something else! I was about three feet away from the button when it was pushed! :thumbsup:

All in all I've had a really lovely day! Thanks to one special forum member that made it all possible! You know who you are! :thumbsup:

K x

Fantastic spectacle watching the towerblock come down - and a big thanks to those of you who posted video.

My kids want to know why we don't have more of these explosions - they said way better than fireworks!

Once again, thanks guys.

Sorry i didnt get these up sooner, till about 8pm i was unaware of this forum then when i found it ive had registration difficulties.

Photos and Video on my website http://www.iain-armitage.co.uk

I saw it live, from the junction of shoreham street, and cherry street, just beside Sheffield United's ground.

It's one of those "not-to-be-missed things, IMHO.

There was a nice view straight along the other side of cherry Street, ove olive grove, to the tower block. I thought it was sad that the block is gone.

I think the housing dept could have done more to save it, but, meh, it's gone now, and with it a fair few years of Sheffield history.

The photos and video are fantastic, thank you everyone who was able to share it with us. the pics and film are very good.

PT

Originally posted by TehBooster
Sorry i didnt get these up sooner, till about 8pm i was unaware of this forum then when i found it ive had registration difficulties.

Photos and Video on my website http://www.iain-armitage.co.uk

Very nice footage TehBooster :thumbsup:

the funny thing is, just a split second before the building collapses you see a bird or someting flying into it from the top right hand corner of the building..... maybe it was the detonator!

Thanks to everyone for posting their pictures and videos.

You can always rely on the forum for up to the minute news and views!

Nice pics chaps, your camera's did a better job than my phone.

Fudbeer judging by your photo's you were stood in front of me. hehe.

Look to the green cargo containers to the left of the building. Theres a white figure there and both me and my mate were sure that was a guy crouching there.

Wow.

Call it hormones, but was I the only one who had to hold back a tear or two? Lol, it was just the dust, honest.

I always love how they scare the pigeons off, then give them just enough time to come back before demolishing the building...:hihi:

It was great to meet Kristian, and ha! you didn't think I knew who you were, did you, redrobbo? :D Good to see you there as well.
As for the rest of you Forummers who were at the marquee, by the sounds of it... why didn't you come introduce yourself??? Surely you couldn't have missed the most pregnant woman on earth!

Here's to a new period of happiness and success for Norfolk Park...we've got a long way to go, and a lot to get through, but I know there are enough committed people who really care about the area to get us there.

(PS: for those who thought it would be a useful bit of publicity for me to have the baby on cue on Sunday at the marquee - sorry, the St Johns Ambulance paid me more not to!:P)

Originally posted by cosywolf


It was great to meet Kristian, and ha! you didn't think I knew who you were, did you, redrobbo? :D Good to see you there as well.

Here's to a new period of happiness and success for Norfolk Park...we've got a long way to go, and a lot to get through, but I know there are enough committed people who really care about the area to get us there.



Aha cosywolf - you may have discovered who I am, but I have also discovered your identity too! It was a pleasure meeting you on such a fantastic occasion. Best wishes to you and your husby on the expected new arrival - please keep us forummers posted.

I echo your sentiments cosywolf. As I said for the tv cameras last year, (when I was one of the three people who blew down the Mickley tower block), the tower blocks are coming down, but Norfolk Park is definitely on the up! I too have met so many committed people who are making Norfolk Park the success story it now is. Keep up the good work everyone!

When I was asked who I thought should blow down the last remaining tower block, I was instrumental in arranging a competition amongst the children at the wonderful new Norfolk Community Primary School. In addition, I also arranged a similar event at the Norfolk Park Extra Care Home, where many of the former Grange Tower block residents now live. My idea was to have these two people to press the button, as through their respective ages, they represent the continuity of Norfolk Park.

I have to say, looking at the photos in The Star tonight of little 7 year Kaiden and 74 year old Marjorie, I think they were exactly the right people who got to press the button. Now the last tower block is down, we will continue with the work of building the new Norfolk Park.

here's also somme footage from the council's website


http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/home-page