This part of Watford looks very different today but for many years this imposing structure dominated the Cardiff Road area and supplied power to the town.
The Watford Observer has again teamed up with Watford Museum and is delighted to showcase some pictures from its archive – this week we look back to a fascinating post-war picture of Cardiff Road power station.
The museum's volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: "Electricity generation in Watford began from 1897 and the first generating station was designed and built in Cardiff Road. Over a relatively short period new areas were connected. It was not until 1937 that the town was connected to the National Grid.
"This later post-war view of the Cardiff Road power station (at the top of this page) shows a fascinating scene, with the power station covered with a camouflage paintwork. The other structure to its right is a cooling tower.
"The station was much expanded by the 1950s and was later converted to gas turbines. The station began to be used part-time and finally closed in the 1990s as it was no longer economical. Today, the Cardiff Road area is going through much redevelopment."
Watford Museum is open Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. No booking is necessary but Covid prevention measures are still in place to keep visitors safe.
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