Video: Watch Massey Ferguson tower in Coventry demolished

Coventry - Thousands watched online the moment an old 16-storey tower in Banner Lane, Coventry, built in the 1960s, was blown up with 40 kilos of explosives . The tower, part of the former Massey Ferguson tractor factory, was demolished to make way for new homes.

According to the BBC, the tower was demolished in a controlled explosion. Authorities say about 700 holes were drilled in the tower and filled with explosives. The Daily Mail reports the tower was bought by developers in 2004 after the Massey Ferguson tractor factory closed down and moved its operation to Stoneleigh, Warwickshire. The close-down led to loss of more than 1,000 jobs, the Daily Mail reports. Crowds gathered to watch as 40 kilos of explosives detonated, reducing tonnes of concrete to huge dust clouds and rubble. An estimated three thousand people also watched the demolition online. The BBC reports that the Lord Mayor of Coventry, councillor Tim Sawdon, said that a six-year-old girl called Daisy, representing the Acorns charity, was chosen to press the plunger and detonate the explosives. About 150 people from homes and shops close to the tower were evacuated. Richard Oldroyd, Persimmon Homes South Midlands managing director, said after the demolition: "We are delighted with the success of the controlled explosion. The tower had been empty for many years and today's demolition will be a memorable event for local residents while allowing the construction of new homes and further enhancements to the community... We choose the Sunday morning to help minimise disruption for people in the surrounding area." According to the Daily Mail, about 1,000 new homes will be built in the area, including a new primary school and playing field. BBC reports Oldroyd commented: "It all goes down in a second but it's actually six months worth of planning that goes into that."