DEMOLITION work has started on an iconic Southampton landmark.
A gaping hole has been cut into the side of the gas work structure on Britannia Road.
The gas works have dominated the city skyline for decades, but their era is now coming to an end.
Diggers and other machinery can be seen on the site and a huge hole reveals the innards of the historic structure.
READ MORE: How gas works land could be transformed in plans to bring 'exciting investment'
Southampton City Council approved plans to demolish the SGN structures in November last year.
In June, plans were submitted seeking permission to build 400 homes on the site following the demolition.
Developer Hawkstone Properties Ltd is looking to build 166 one-bed flats and 237 two-bed flats, with shared spaces such as a library, a gym, a work/study space, and roof-top gardens.
They will be spread between a 21-storey tower and three smaller blocks.
All of the flats would be for rental - and would not be available to buy.
The company described the plans as a "landmark development at the gateway to the city centre".
But one Southampton heritage charity hit pout at the plans expressing a number of concerns.
READ MORE: 'Isolated and unsuitable': Heritage group hits out at plans to transform former gas works site
The City of Southampton Society has previously objected and said the location is "not a suitable site for residential development".
Simon Reynier raised concerns on behalf of the society.
In his objection he said: "We consider this to be a case of over-development, adversely affected by noise, traffic and pollution and built too close to the site boundaries."
He added: We are again disappointed that no family or affordable housing is being provided.
"The site is more suited to commercial or industrial development."
He said noise and pollution levels in the area would be unacceptably high due to the close proximity to Northam Road, the branch railway to the docks, St Mary's Stadium and Britannia Road.
However, some have supported the plans, such as Dr Karl Fitt of Channel Way.
In an open letter to the council, he said: "It's important that the largest economic city on the South Coast looks modern and vibrant, particularly from the railway line, where the gateway to Southampton currently looks poor (Toys R Us, Frobisher and Norwich House).
"My concern is that unlike Basingstoke and Woking, Southampton appears to have adopted a low rise approach.
"My view is that this development should be less dense and in fact taller... No doubt councillors will give this the dreaded "civic haircut" which will then remove soar and any element of a "gateway"."
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