The demolition of Blackwell House in Bushey has been captured step by step by a photographer in the area.

The monolithic white building in Aldenham Road has dominated the view from Gordon Metcalfe’s house in Silverdale Road for more than 30 years.

The 76-year-old retired art teacher said he was happy to see the structure toppled and has been fascinated to watch the demolition team carry out the humongous task.

“It dominated everything,” he said. “It was a big white box. I think it (the demolition) was quite a difficult business as it was quite close to the road.

“We could hear the machinery and it is still going as they are crushing the concrete.”

The building, which used to be the headquarters of the Colne Valley Water Company, is due to be turned into 90 new houses and 33 flats.

Plans for the development were submitted by Blackwell House’s latest owner Veolia Water and approved in 2010.

Work started on the demolition last month and finished last week, taking around three weeks to bring down the entire structure.

Mr Metcalfe, who moved to the area in 1960 to teach at the Royal Masonic School for Boys in Bushey, taught art and also photography during his career.

He said he stood in the same spot in a room at the top of his house to take the shots of Blackwell House coming down.

The grandfather-of-five added that part of his motive was to record the process for his children, who grew up with the building domineering the landscape.

“I am a photographer anyway,” said Mr Metcalfe. “I have known it for so long and the children have known it for so long.

“It is a view we have always had.”