Harwell - Demolition
Posted: 7th September 2025
A historic reactor complex has been demolished, creating a new skyline at Harwell site – the birthplace of pioneering nuclear research and innovation. The complex originally housed the UK’s first fast fission reactor Zephyr, followed by Dimple – a multi-purpose, zero power, water moderated reactor. These played a central role in providing the data measurements used to support the first generation of nuclear reactor designs. In its latter years, the building hosted research into prosthetic limbs and vehicle emissions under AEA Technology. Demolition works began in August 2024 with the safe removal of over 19 tonnes of asbestos waste. The building’s final structure was razed to the ground in March 2025, followed closely by the removal of its sub-structure base slab and two four-metre-deep underground basements that once housed some of the reactor and drainage systems.