Another Luxembourg border loation, this time just into France. The unsual and small 'Alienworks' powerstation is a lovely little explore that has somehow survived over 30 years of disuse.
History
This small powerstation in france was once surrounded by a sprawling ironworks was built to provide power for all the local heavy industry. The Cast Iron factories began in the late 1890s, to support this the coal powered powerstion known in recently years as 'Alienworks' was built in the 1930s. During its peak the ironworks employed 3000 people and produced 400,000 tons of cast iron a year.
The art deco design is unmistakable and has been surpringly well preserved since it's eventual closure in 1991 due to local health concerns.
Most of the surrounding buildings and ironworks have been demolished as the surrounding area has slowly been redeveloped. The large blast furnace behind the site is the only surviver out of 6 and remains as a historical site used for events. There are no immediate plans to demolish the plant, but having survived over 30 years, it's hard say how much longer it'll last.
The main turbine hall has a variety of different types of turbines of varying ages and sizes. Although there is some graffiti and vandalism, it could certainly be far worse.
The Explore
Attempt No.1 was a failure due to a surpisingly lively site with vans and cars buzzing about. The grounds around it have been freshly tarmac'd with car parking spaces for building next door. I decided to play it safe and return on a quiet morning and this payed off nicely, not a soul around.
There are two buildings, one the large boiler house and then the main 'Alienworks' powerstation. Both are absolutely fantastic Industrial explores. I spent nearly 3 hours and took far too many photos.
Photos
The exterior. The two seperate buildings connected by a gantry with large pipes.
Towards the rear of the site remains the massive array of pipes connecting to the last remaining furnace.
Inside the large boiler house is an maze of gangways, stairs and gauges.
A high up view of the remaining boiler houses. The other side of the building has almost been competely stripped out.
The nearly empty half of the boiler house.
Over the gangway to the main turbine hall.
Into the main turbine building.
The main tubine hall. 4 turbines and a large art deco mezzanine
I love this door. The design and decay is absolutely fantastic.
The large control panel on the upper floor.
Thanks for reading!
History
This small powerstation in france was once surrounded by a sprawling ironworks was built to provide power for all the local heavy industry. The Cast Iron factories began in the late 1890s, to support this the coal powered powerstion known in recently years as 'Alienworks' was built in the 1930s. During its peak the ironworks employed 3000 people and produced 400,000 tons of cast iron a year.
The art deco design is unmistakable and has been surpringly well preserved since it's eventual closure in 1991 due to local health concerns.
Most of the surrounding buildings and ironworks have been demolished as the surrounding area has slowly been redeveloped. The large blast furnace behind the site is the only surviver out of 6 and remains as a historical site used for events. There are no immediate plans to demolish the plant, but having survived over 30 years, it's hard say how much longer it'll last.
The main turbine hall has a variety of different types of turbines of varying ages and sizes. Although there is some graffiti and vandalism, it could certainly be far worse.
The Explore
Attempt No.1 was a failure due to a surpisingly lively site with vans and cars buzzing about. The grounds around it have been freshly tarmac'd with car parking spaces for building next door. I decided to play it safe and return on a quiet morning and this payed off nicely, not a soul around.
There are two buildings, one the large boiler house and then the main 'Alienworks' powerstation. Both are absolutely fantastic Industrial explores. I spent nearly 3 hours and took far too many photos.
Photos
The exterior. The two seperate buildings connected by a gantry with large pipes.
Towards the rear of the site remains the massive array of pipes connecting to the last remaining furnace.
Inside the large boiler house is an maze of gangways, stairs and gauges.
A high up view of the remaining boiler houses. The other side of the building has almost been competely stripped out.
The nearly empty half of the boiler house.
Over the gangway to the main turbine hall.
Into the main turbine building.
The main tubine hall. 4 turbines and a large art deco mezzanine
I love this door. The design and decay is absolutely fantastic.
The large control panel on the upper floor.
Thanks for reading!
