Hull skyline icon falls to explosive blast

On 29 July 2012, UK contractor Hughes and Salvidge carried out the explosive demolition of the 19 storey Bridgeman House in the city of Hull. Built in the 1960s, the block of residential flats is one of five tower blocks on the Orchard Park residential estate that are scheduled for demolition by 2015 to make way for a £15 million (US$23.4 million) regeneration programme that will include 115 new houses and 94 refurbished flats in two tower blocks that will be retained.

Hughes & Salvidge won the contract to carry out the demolition in 2012 and spent 16 weeks prior to the blowdown preparing the structure for its demolition. The tower block was surrounded by residential and commercial properties and to ensure minimal disruption and smooth project completions, a site liaison officer was appointed by the company to act as a direct link between all concerned parties.

According to Hull City Council development programme leader Mark Leaf: ""The Council appointed Hughes and Salvidge to demolish the Bridgeman House Tower Block by explosive means in April 2012 following a comprehensive procurement process. Hughes and Salvidge have worked tirelessly to keep the local community affected by the exclusion zone up to date with progress. They worked excellently with local stakeholders to ensure that blast day was carried out professionally and provided a great spectacle for the local community."