History
The gas works was originally constructed by the Brentford Gas Company, opening in 1869. It was required to meet rapidly increasing demand in Middlesex, which outstripped the capacity of the company's original works on the Thames at Brentford. In 1926 the Brentford Gas Company was taken over by the Gas Light and Coke Company (GLCC). In the early 1930s a 7,500,000 cubic feet (210,000 m3) waterless holder was constructed. This holder, which is over 300 feet high, remains as a major local landmark. Parts of the site remain in use for gas pressure reduction and storage, and the remainder for parking for Heathrow Airport. In 2010 planning permission was approved by the Mayor of London for a mixed-use development of 3750 homes, leisure, health and education buildings, over-ruling refusal by the local authority. The masterplan for the site was approved by Ealing Borough Council in April 2016.
Visit
While scoping out the site we happened to have a run in with some other 28DL members who gave us some tips and lent us some Hi-Vis. Big thanks to you @zombizza (If I heard your name right), I owe you one.
Not much to say about this sight apart from its massive and really messes with your perception of distance from the inside. Pictures below.
From the outside.
We managed to enter through the bottom of the building and were faced with the sketchiest staircase in the world. The whole thing shook on the way up.
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Disused lift shaft running up the side of the building.
Roof.
Thanks.
The gas works was originally constructed by the Brentford Gas Company, opening in 1869. It was required to meet rapidly increasing demand in Middlesex, which outstripped the capacity of the company's original works on the Thames at Brentford. In 1926 the Brentford Gas Company was taken over by the Gas Light and Coke Company (GLCC). In the early 1930s a 7,500,000 cubic feet (210,000 m3) waterless holder was constructed. This holder, which is over 300 feet high, remains as a major local landmark. Parts of the site remain in use for gas pressure reduction and storage, and the remainder for parking for Heathrow Airport. In 2010 planning permission was approved by the Mayor of London for a mixed-use development of 3750 homes, leisure, health and education buildings, over-ruling refusal by the local authority. The masterplan for the site was approved by Ealing Borough Council in April 2016.
Visit
While scoping out the site we happened to have a run in with some other 28DL members who gave us some tips and lent us some Hi-Vis. Big thanks to you @zombizza (If I heard your name right), I owe you one.
Not much to say about this sight apart from its massive and really messes with your perception of distance from the inside. Pictures below.
From the outside.
We managed to enter through the bottom of the building and were faced with the sketchiest staircase in the world. The whole thing shook on the way up.
[/URL]
Disused lift shaft running up the side of the building.
Roof.
Thanks.
