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Sheffield Supertram : Pictures : Grange Tower demolition

On April 24th 2005, the last of a set of fifteen tower blocks overlooking the Sheffield skyline was demolished in a controlled explosion.

Grange Tower was the last surviving high-rise block of flats on the Norfolk Park estate, through which Supertrams Halfway route runs. The demolition of these tower blocks has meant a substantial decrease in passenger numbers on this section of the tram network, but the area is now starting to be redeveloped with lower-density housing.

Video clip of the demolition: 7.23Mb Quicktime movie, 1 mins 18 secs duration. Requires Apple Quicktime to watch

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One of the defining features of the Norfolk Park estates, through which the Halfway/Herdings line runs, was the residential tower blocks which dotted this part of the Sheffield skyline. The last one, Grange, was next to Park Grange tram stop, and is seen here being prepared for its demolition, which took place in April 2005. With the removal of the tower blocks and high-density housing in the area, much of the passenger base on this part of the network has been taken away

02/04/2005 • 001328

Notice giving details of service alterations during the demolition of Grange tower block

24/04/2005 • 001346

Grange tower shortly before demolition. The tramlines can be seen in front of the building

24/04/2005 • 001347

Another view of Grange tower. A crowd is starting to form to watch the demolition

24/04/2005 • 001348

104 was one of the last trams to run past Grange tower block. Here it is seen creeping past the crowds and barriers at the edge of the demolition exclusion zone—at this point the road was closed to all but trams

24/04/2005 • 001349

104 running towards Grange tower, shortly before demolition

24/04/2005 • 001350

Park Grange Road—before the road past Grange Tower was closed completely, it was open for trams only

24/04/2005 • 001351

One of the last trams to run south past Grange Tower

24/04/2005 • 001352

Park Grange Road past Grange Tower was closed completely between 11.45 and 12.30. During this time trams were held at either end of the exclusion zone

24/04/2005 • 001353

Composite of video clips, showing the tower being demolished

24/04/2005 • 001354

Grange Tower after demolition—reduced to a three-storey-high pile of rubble

24/04/2005 • 001355

Supertram staff were on location to oversee tram operations during the demolition of Grange Tower. Here a Transit is seen, with tram 124 behind, waiting for the road to be reopened

24/04/2005 • 001356