Philips RAF building implosion

It may of happened in May, but the video of a Philips RAF factory building being imploded in Eindhoven are still worth sharing.

The building used to be used to assemble TV screens, but now owners Amvest are turning the old industrial site into a residential area and the building had to go. This factory building was the last to go on the site before re-development can commence.

120kg of explosives were used to take down the 120 x 30m structure. Demolition contractor Arie van Liempel decided to use explosives in order to reduce the demolition time and reduce dust, vibration, and noise for the surrounding businesses and residence.






Source: Eindhoven News

Someone forgot to close the road, car hit by wrecking ball

Health and safety was clearing lacking on this site. Questions need to be asked about exactly why that wrecking ball was swinging so violently with people around and across an open road?

You'll also notice people nearby were not wearing basic safety equipment such as high-visibility clothing and hard hats. The road was also not closed to the general public.

The safest person was driving the car until they got hit. Lets hope whoever was inside walked away from the accident.

Britain's oldest car factory to be demolished?

The image you see above is of the Madelvic car factory in Edinburgh. It was originally built in 1898 for use by the Madelvic Motor Carriage Company founded by William Peck.

In 2008 the grade B-listed building was at risk of being demolished as developers wanted to re-use the site, but the local council rejected plans and wanted the factory preserved instead.


Madelvic factory in 2005

More than a year later and further requests to demolish and redevelop the site are being heard and may be successful. The problem is, although the factory could be preserved there is no guarantee it will be occupied and therefore may continue to deteriorate.

Organisations including Historic Scotland and the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland are against the demolition with Hiostoric Scotland saying:

The Madelvic's production blocks are an important reminder of Edinburgh's industrial heritage, with a wider historical interest as the earliest surviving motor works in the UK. We believe that they represent an opportunity to retain and reuse a historic building.

The fate of the building may already be set, though, and councillors are recommending detailed redevelopment plans be submitted before demolition is allowed to happen.


Madelvic factory in 2007

Source: Edinburgh Evening News

With thanks to Granton History Group for the images.