The 50-year-old twin towers have always polarised views - from those who think they are ugly to others who believe they represent South Yorkshire's proud industrial heritage.
And their owner's decision to demolish them is proving just as controversial.
E.ON.UK announced it is to bring down the towers before the end of the year due to their deteriorating structural condition.
And the announcement prompted howls of protest from some - and sighs of relief from others.
Richard Roper, aged 58, of Leadbeater Road, Gleadless, Sheffield, was one of those who campaigned for the towers to be used as huge art projects.
He said: "The towers have been preserved for years since the generator went as a landmark. I think it would be a shame if they went.
"It would be more imaginative to do something with them. I don't think they are ugly, certainly not if we painted them with a mural. Sheffield is an industrial city and this is our industrial heritage."
Karl Hallam, 35, of Cruise Road, Nether Green, is another fan of the towers.
He said: "Keep them up. They are a great landmark. I believe they are a real asset and they remind people of the industry that happened in the area there.
"You could do something with them instead. Perhaps they should knock Meadowhall down first!"
But Eric Shaw, aged 63, of Broom Avenue in Broom, Rotherham, disagrees.
He said: "I think they ought to come down. It is not as if they have any real architectural value.
"I used to work in the shadow of them at Tinsley Rolling Mills many years ago but if they came down I think it would improve the view.
"If you put a mural on them I think you could have someone going over the side of the motorway while looking at them."
Jane Coulson, of Newent Lane, Crookes, said painting them up might look "a bit geeky."
"It depends what you painted on them," she said. "But to be honest I've never really given them much thought."
Zeb Khaliq, 48, of Ferham Road, Rotherham, said: "I have been in Sheffield since 1969 and they have always been there. They are just a part of life here so I think they should kept.
"You wouldn't get anything out of demolishing them, only a little bit of land. It is not as if they are in a residential area, I think they are wonderful."
Barry Cummings, 63, of Collegiate Crescent, Broomhall, said: "I think one of the problems is that they suggestive of a bygone Sheffield. I am not convinced that they convey the green image of Sheffield that we would like for the city.
"They represent an industry that has gone, and frankly good riddance to a lot of it. I think it would also improve the views if they came down, especially if replaced with some trees.
"There was a risk of structural damage to the motorway if they brought them down but I think they have found a way around that.
"I certainly won't miss them."

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