Demolition paves the way

The latest step in the regeneration of a Glasgow community took place today when a block of flats was demolished to make way for new homes.

Multi-storey block at Roystonhill is demolished

A 25-storey multi-storey at Rosemount Street, Roystonhill, in the north of the city was brought down in a controlled explosive demolition.

The demolition allows Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) to clear the site and carry out the next phase of a major regeneration programme.

Scotland's biggest social landlord is building 100 new homes in the area - with 55 houses already completed and handed over to GHA tenants following the demolition of a neighbouring multi-storey block in 2013.

The new-build homes at Rosemount Street are part of wider plans to regenerate the north of the city which includes 141 new homes at Sighthill and a further 157 in Barmulloch.

David Fletcher, Director of Regeneration for GHA's parent company, Wheatley Group, said: "The demolition allows us to complete the next phase of our plans with the local community to build more energy-efficient, family-friendly homes for our tenants.

"We want to create bright, vibrant communities where people are proud to live. Many of the tenants who used to live in the Rosemount multi-storeys have already told us they are loving life in their new homes.

"We'd like to thank all of the residents for their cooperation during the evacuation."

The demolition created around 10,000 tonnes of rubble. The clear-up operation will take several months with the rubble removed and crushed to be used as foundations for roads and buildings.

A decision was taken to demolish and clear the block following a decline in popularity of the flats.

Around 500 tenants in nearby properties were temporarily evacuated for the demolition.

Food and entertainment was put on at St Roch's Secondary School. Staff from Copperworks Housing Co-operative and Spire View Housing Association were also on hand to help with the evacuation.

Email:

Sunday, May 22, 2016