EXPERT engineers have begun work on the final phase of the project to decommission the redundant Birkshall Gas Holder in Bradford.

Earlier this year, three 85-year-old time capsules containing old copies of the Telegraph & Argus newspaper were discovered during the removal of the main above-ground tank and steel support structure.

Now work has started on the final phase of the project – the backfilling of the underground foundation network.

Expert contractors have been brought in to deposit an estimated 50,000 tonnes of imported material in a works programme that is expected to complete in June 2023.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Mark Johnson at Northern Gas Networks with the time capsulesMark Johnson at Northern Gas Networks with the time capsules (Image: Newsquest)

Northern Gas Networks Senior Project Manager Mark Johnson said: “We’ve brought in earthwork specialists with over 50 years experience within the demolition and construction industry to oversee this important final phase.

“General earth moving within the site compound will operate between the hours of 7am and 5pm Monday to Friday, however, to get this location reinstated as quickly as possible we anticipated around 40 to 50 wagon loads will be required per day.

“I want to assure people living in the area that we’ll do everything we can to keep disruption and disturbance to an absolute minimum whilst this essential work is being carried out.”