Philadelphia, Generating Station

Temporary power station was opened at Philadelphia by the Sunderland District Electric Tramways Ltd in 1905, beside their tramway depot. In 1906 a permanent station had been built by the Durham Collieries Power Company who supplied 'Lambton and Colliery Co' (Lambton and hetton Collieries Co Ltd from 1911) and the tramway company. Incorporated into NESCO by 1911 (changed frequently from 50Hz to 40Hz). Currently occupied by a container firm. Elements of site survive, particularly 3 stone buildings. Largest is a generating hall with tall, round-headed openings and red-brick detailing. Interior contains iron-framed walkway with stairs and control cabin; crane supports, toilets, tiled lower walls. Substantial basement with features implying machinery (boilers?). Iron roof trusses. Two smaller buildings, similar style, interiors not inspected. Built 1906 as a power station for the Durham Collieries Power Company in yellow brick with red brick dressings. The building has been in more recent years a central garage for the former National Coal Board. The building was recorded by TWM in 2011. LISTED GRADE 2