Re: Gateshead Stadium
Thanks James for the tranquil setting of the Gateshead Stadium. The stadium was built upon what had been Allhusen's chemical waste land. Huge deposits of vile materal covered an area from where the Baltic Building is today in the west, to Felling Shore in the east. Produce included soaps and nerve gases including phosgene for the MOD. This was the extent of Allhusen's Chemical Plant which included an armaments filling factory during WW1. In 1916 there were approximately 2000 workers at this hugh plant. Eventually, In 1926 the works became part of Imperial Chemical Industries and the Gateshead Works was run down. A mass clearance was undertaken starting in 1946. I lived nearby and remember the constant stream of waggons ferrying away the whiteish / yellow gunge. The company were paid sixpence for each ton they removed. I don't remember who bought the waste but many millions of tons were removed. Much more was left behind and the first stage of a sports stadium was the construction of a banked outdoor cycle track. Meanwhile, the chemicals which remained continues to smolder and give off a dreadful stink. A recent housing developement near the river at Friar's Goose was suspended until the land was made clean again. However, all is now beautiful - or is it?
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