Steetley Magnesite
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Steetley Magnesite opened in 1937. As a result of the possibility of releasing magnesia from dolomitic lime (Dolime) by reacting it with seawater.
The 24 acre site was built at a cost of £10,000.00. And at the time was the only Magnesium plant in the country. At the time Steetley was also known as the Palliser Works, after the wartime fortifications there.
In its first year 4000 tonnes of Magnesium were produced. But with the outbreak of war production doubled as it was deemed vital for the light alloys used in aircraft frames and for munitions.
In 1962 A major extension of the Hartlepool works was built. Increasing its capacity by some 40 per cent. This included the world's largest settling tank. And a 2,000 foot pier to carry a seawater pipeline and a 10 acre expansion of the site.
For many years it was the largest plant in the world. And had an ultimate processing capacity of nearly a quarter of a million tonnes of refractory grade magnesia a year. The plant was later developed to produce high quality chemical grades of magnesia as well as a range of refractory grades.
In 1997 Britmag took over the site but five years later went into administration and was taken over by CJC Chemicals. Who also fell on hard times. In 2005 the site was once again took over by Culford Properties and plans where made to develop the site into 500 new houses.
So far this hasnt happened, demolition seems to be random. and the majority of the site still remains even if a little flattened. The pier and chimney remain untouched.
If the site ever does get redeveloped is anyones guess but for the time being it sits slowly rotting away.
Although derelict, decaying and most of the buildings already demolished. Steetley still is a superb place and is extremely photogenic. It resembles something more on the lines of a war zone in Beirut or some post apocalyptic battle ground rather than a Magnesium works.
Despite a lot of the site already gone there is still plenty to see. The highlight being the giant settling tanks. The color of the water which still sits in them is truly spectacular and was by far the most enjoyable part of the site.
A very unique and superb site and one definatley worth travelling to see.
