Chelmsford, Marconi New Street Works Demolition April 2013
A sight which will sadden many Chelmsfordians and Marconi Veterans. The demolition of most of the historic Marconi New Street Works in Chelmsford (UK) from April 2013. The site is to be redeveloped by Bellway Homes.
Some of the site will remain but not what you see here. Marconi House in the distance which was built in 1936/8 together with its famous art deco interior will be demolished. Building 720 (built 1949) was located on the far left has already gone. The main production areas by the diggers which was part of the original 1912 factory has virtually gone too. The only buildings to remain will be the grade II listed frontage shown below, a water tower and the powerhouse.
The Marconi New Street Works was built in 1912 and was the world's first purpose built radio factory. In 1920 the first official UK radio transmission took place here by Dame Nellie Melba. This place has so much history attached to it for so many people. I started my adult working life at the New Street factory in August 1984 when around 4500 people worked here. I spent the next 15 years in manufactured components here and at the Waterhouse Lane site so what you see here is as familiar and heartbreaking to me as anyone. I'm sure there's lots of former employee's agree with me and say that the very name 'Marconi' really does get under your skin.
The factory's last incarnation occupier Selex vacated here in 2008 and the site was left derelict and vandalised. There is much on the internet about the slow decay of the historic factory after 2008 that gave so much to the people of Chelmsford but was left abandoned and forgotton.
So I bid the New Street Works a fond farewell and to rest in peace.
www.flickr.com/photos/stuart166axe/sets/72157605981961107...
This photograph was taken by my friend and colleague David and posted here with very kind permission.
Chelmsford, Marconi New Street Works Demolition April 2013
A sight which will sadden many Chelmsfordians and Marconi Veterans. The demolition of most of the historic Marconi New Street Works in Chelmsford (UK) from April 2013. The site is to be redeveloped by Bellway Homes.
Some of the site will remain but not what you see here. Marconi House in the distance which was built in 1936/8 together with its famous art deco interior will be demolished. Building 720 (built 1949) was located on the far left has already gone. The main production areas by the diggers which was part of the original 1912 factory has virtually gone too. The only buildings to remain will be the grade II listed frontage shown below, a water tower and the powerhouse.
The Marconi New Street Works was built in 1912 and was the world's first purpose built radio factory. In 1920 the first official UK radio transmission took place here by Dame Nellie Melba. This place has so much history attached to it for so many people. I started my adult working life at the New Street factory in August 1984 when around 4500 people worked here. I spent the next 15 years in manufactured components here and at the Waterhouse Lane site so what you see here is as familiar and heartbreaking to me as anyone. I'm sure there's lots of former employee's agree with me and say that the very name 'Marconi' really does get under your skin.
The factory's last incarnation occupier Selex vacated here in 2008 and the site was left derelict and vandalised. There is much on the internet about the slow decay of the historic factory after 2008 that gave so much to the people of Chelmsford but was left abandoned and forgotton.
So I bid the New Street Works a fond farewell and to rest in peace.
www.flickr.com/photos/stuart166axe/sets/72157605981961107...
This photograph was taken by my friend and colleague David and posted here with very kind permission.