KENT: Lafarge Cement has formally marked the end of production at its Northfleet Works in a symbolic ceremony led by the demolition of its 550-foot chimneys.
Hundreds of local people gathered on Sunday 28 March to observe the moment in which 200 years of cement manufacture at the Kent site drew to a close.
Lafarge has already submitted a planning application to redevelop the Northfleet site for mixed-use, including residential, retail and open public spaces.
Through what is believed to have been Europe's largest demolition project, Lafarge Cement organised a charity text competition to find an individual to ‘press the button’ to demolish the two site chimneys. The three-week competition raised over £3500 with the funds going to the Kent Air Ambulance Trust and local Ellenor Lions Hospices.
Nigel Rees, demolition manager at Lafarge Cement's Northfleet site, said: "It was an emotional moment to see two centuries of cement manufacture reach an end. They have been a longstanding landmark for Northfleet and it is appropriate that their legacy has made a lasting impression for local charities.”
