A FORMER hospital building came down with a bang thanks to a controlled explosion.

Residents looked on as the 200ft-high chimney at Greenwich District Hospital, Vanbrugh Hill, Greenwich, was brought down using explosives.

This marked the last stage of the demolition of the hospital, which closed five years ago as part of a reorganisation of healthcare facilities in the borough.

The new East Greenwich development has now been earmarked for the three-hectare site.

A developer for the project, which includes a leisure centre, health facilities and a council information centre, is due to be chosen by the end of the year.