Heritage event to record memories of Bury St Edmunds gas holder

People with memories of the gas holder in Tayfen Road are being invited to a heritage event being staged by National Grid.

The disused cylinder, which has been a landmark in the town since 1952, is being dismantled to make way for housing.

The companyhas has received a good response to its appeal for memories of the holder and will be staging the heritage event at St John’s Centre on December 10 between 10am and 12pm.

Residents are invited to come along with stories and photos which will be archived to create a special booklet about the iconic structure which was used to store gas produced through heating coal.

The site has been a gas works since 1834 and as gas appliances became more popular in the early 20th century the need for gas increased. Extra storage was created with the construction of a new gas holder on the site in 1952.

But with the advent of Natural Gas the gas cylinders have fallen into disuse and in 1964 the Tayfen Road site closed.

Specialist contractors KDC has begun work to dismantle the holder and cutting equipment will be used to take apart the shell before lowering it to the ground using plant excavators. The metal shell will be recycled.

Sam Rendell, from National Grid, said: “We will be making a record of accounts from people attending the heritage event to create a booklet which can always be treasured.”

Developer Pigeon wants to build build up to 215 homes and a 60 bed care home on part of the 13 acre site and has applied for outline planning permission.

The masterplan for the site is under discussion and due to go before St Edmundsbury’s sustainable development committee in the new year,