On the banks of the river Sambre in the district of Monceau-sur-Sambre, Charleroi is the remains of IM Power Station.
Image details
Contributor:
Simon Webster / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
F0A9KDFile size:
103.4 MB (4.9 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
7360 x 4912 px | 62.3 x 41.6 cm | 24.5 x 16.4 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
24 August 2014Location:
Monceau-sur-Sambre, Charleroi, municipality of Wallonia, province of Hainaut, BelgiumMore information:
Described in 2009 by an article in the Telegraph newspaper as the most depressing city in Europe, Chareroi (pronunciation being French) has suffered over many years. Part of the municipality of Wallonia and located in the province of Hainaut, Belgium. This city which had a population of just 0ver 203, 000 (listed in 2013), has a very high unemployment level along with poverty. Due to the alarming figures, it has made it unsafe for visitors. “Carolos” (the nickname given to those who live and are from Charleroi) repeatedly warn those who wish to travel alone and visit the now rotting and abandoned factories that they are at risk of being victims of crime. Enterprising Carolos offer the quirky tours to see such sights, known as “Urban Safari’s”. With the nickname the Pays Noir (translated - Black Country) it is understandable why it has become a sad place for all who reside. Once it was prosperous with a steel and heavy industry as well as coal mining but now it has fallen silent making it a top destination Urban Explorers who wish to see the now rotting industrial sites. Charleroi is 31 miles (50 km) south of Brussels and North of the city centre by 4.3 miles (7 km) is the Brussels South airport. Many travellers are surprised by the neglect as they travel through the city on route to more picturesque and cosmopolitan destinations. Within the district of Monceau-sur-Sambre, Charleroi is the remains of “IM Power Station” as it is known. Built in 1921, the power station was one of the largest coal burning in Belgium. It was responsible for producing 10% of the CO2 emissions from the country. Due to active protests from Greenpeace in 2006 the station gained negative exposure and subsequently closed in 2007. Scrap metal thieves have been in abundance over the years and whilst visiting the site (now a shadow of its former self), blatant work was being carried out on a huge and somewhat professional scale to remove what was left and will soon become an empty shell.