A controlled explosion has destroyed one of the main buildings at the defunct Kingsnorth Power Station today.

The 35-metre turbine hall, which housed a boiler and four turbo-generators, will took place at 1pm.

Many of the station’s smaller buildings have already been removed from the 1.6 kmsq site.

Because of its size and visibility, the turbine hall’s disappearance is described by station owners E.ON as a “significant” milestone in the overall destruction of the 2,000mw coal-fired plant.

Neil Wright, demolition project manager, said: “From a project perspective, we’re really pleased with our progress to date.

Watch: The moment the turbine hall comes down

“But as we start to remove the main infrastructure at the heart of the plant, I’m sure the upcoming demolition will be tinged with sadness for some who worked at Kingsnorth during the 43 years it was in operation.

"This demolition will be the largest to date at Kingsnorth, with the turbine hall encompassing over 2,000 tonnes of steel.

“We’re working with our demolition contractors and stakeholders, including the council and police, to ensure that there is minimal disruption to local communities, the environment and surrounding areas.”

Kingsnorth Power Station closed in 2013 after it was deemed too polluting under EU law. The rest of the plant, including the 198m chimney, is due to be demolished by 2016.

Check back later for a video of the demolition.