PLANS to remove Christchurch's two redundant gasholders have been submitted - following speculation about the future of the prime town centre site.

Southern Gas Networks have given plans to Christchurch Borough Council proposing the dismantling of the former gasworks site in Stony Lane, next door to the Civic Offices.

Last year, the Daily Echo revealed major plans to demolish Christchurch council's offices to create a riverside marina with housing, shops and a new park.

Part of the scheme included land from the gas works, as well as the former Mostyns factory and Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre and golf course.

The proposals from SGN concern the dismantling of the two above ground spiral guided gasholders along with the low lying structures.

No further development has at yet been suggested.

The gasholders are 35m in diameter, and are both purged of gas, isolated and collapsed to ground level.

They are no longer operational as the gas can now be stored in pipework underground.

SGN has been tasked with removing half of their holders by the end of 2021, with funding from Ofgem allowing for dewatering, decontamination, dismantling and infilling works only.

A report to the planning department from the applicant adds: "To retain the redundant structures would represent a significant maintenance expense to SGN, which is considered unreasonable and unjustified given that they no longer serve a purpose.

"The gasholders also constitute a significant security and safety liability to SGN."

It also says: "The removal of the gasholders is a necessary requirement for any future site redevelopment.

"The proposed removal will enable a more productive use to be established on what will be a redundant

brownfield site of good redevelopment potential."

Last year's proposals for the site included opening up access to the River Avon and creating a marina along with housing, shops and restaurants.

A new council building would potentially be built, with a new leisure centre to replace the current facility.

And it is believed the proposed scheme would also see the golf course at Two Riversmeet redeveloped into a park area.