The imposing chimneys of Southampton Power Station dominated the town's skyline for decades, serving as an eye sore both metaphorically and literally.

Some older Echo readers may even recollect when they had to make a trip to the former Eye Hospital in Bedford Place due to experiencing discomfort caused by grit being spewed into the air by the power plant.

Located near the now-empty Toys 'R' Us building in Western Esplanade, the power station was far from visually appealing. Despite its unattractive exterior, this structure played a crucial role in powering the city up until the 1960s.

(Image: Echo)

Standing tall against the horizon, the prominent generating facility once commanded the skyline before its eventual dismantling in the 1970s. This came about following the establishment of the oil-driven power station in Marchwood, which has since ceased operations.

In addition to marring the view, the old power plant would often belch out copious quantities of smoke into the atmosphere, creating billowing clouds of particles.

As far back as 1936 there were complaints from people in and around Southampton about the grit which escaped from the power station.

In 1951, a unique device was set up specifically for the purpose of eliminating grit particles from the emissions produced by the six ageing boilers.

It was on July 20, 1903, that the foundation stone of the power station was laid amidst much ceremony in Southampton. “An important event in the municipal life of Southampton occurred when Mr W. Bone, until recently an alderman of the borough, laid the foundation of the new electric light station at Western Shore,” reported the Daily Echo of the time.

“The need for the new station has long been felt, and eventually the enterprising Electricity Committee which controls the electric department decided to erect fresh premises in spite of pessimistic utterances, fully convinced that the venture would be thoroughly justified by results.”

(Image: Echo)

Situated on reclaimed coastal land, the construction of Southampton Power Station was already in an advanced stage during the ceremony held to mark its progress.

“When the company, invited to the ceremony, assembled they found the red brickwork rearing itself to a considerable height denoting much energy on the part of the constructors and their workmen,” reported the Daily Echo.

Following the aftermath of the Second World War, the power station worked tirelessly to maintain illumination in homes. However, the National Grid struggled to meet the demand during the harsh winters of the post-war era.

A sign of relief emerged in April 1949 as the Government revealed plans to ease electricity rationing restrictions, sparking a glimmer of optimism among the population.

“Some effort will be made to add a little brightness but many of Southampton’s big buildings were shattered by the Luftwaffe, and those remaining find that, after ten years, lighting systems cannot be flicked on at a moment’s notice,” said the Daily Echo.