A huge landmark across the Solent - Fawley power station's 650ft chimney - will be demolished this weekend.

UPDATE: VIDEO Fawley chimney demolition

The massive structure, which has dominated the entrance to Southampton Water for half a century, will be blown up on Sunday, October 31 at 7am.

Roads and paths will be closed near the site and an exclusion zone will be enforced from 5.30am.

Scroll down for a link to a livestream of the demolition...

Some of those who live nearby have been asked to leave their homes for the operation, which will also see the demolition of part of the turbine hall.

Isle of Wight County Press: Fawley power station's chimney, seen from East Cowes.Fawley power station's chimney, seen from East Cowes.

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Isle of Wight County Press: Vix Lowthion's photo from the Downs Breezer, of the July demolition.Vix Lowthion's photo from the Downs Breezer, of the July demolition.

A building that sat next to the chimney was previously brought down in two separate controlled explosions, one in July 2020 and one in November 2019.

Both were seen and heard from the Isle of Wight, with a "thunderous rumble" reported by those who witnessed it.

Those running Sunday's demolition are keen to dissuade crowds of onlookers.

  • Instead, there will be a livestream of the demolition HERE and the County Press also plans to have a camera there. Find us on Facebook to see it live.

Isle of Wight County Press: Fawley power station before the main demolition work was carried out, seen from Red Funnel.Fawley power station before the main demolition work was carried out, seen from Red Funnel.

In a statement, site owner Fawley Waterside said: "Please note this date and time is subject to change and is dependent on suitable weather conditions.

"We discourage anyone from visiting the nearby surrounding areas to watch.

"We do not envisage there being any adverse impact on local property or land. All those that need to be evacuated have been notified well in advance.

"As with previous events we would prefer this event to remain as low-ley as possible."

In August warning lights on the chimney were switched off ahead of its demolition.

In 2017, Fawley Waterside unveiled a proposal to keep the chimney and build a glass-sided restaurant at the top.

The idea was dropped after talks with New Forest District Council and the National Park Authority.

1,500 homes will be built on the site, along with commercial and community facilities.