4 days ago
Glasgow's Caledonia Road flats to be demolished tomorrow
The towers from 305 to 341 Caledonia Road are owned by New Gorbals Housing Association (NGHA), which decided to bring them down to make way for social rent homes.
The buildings will be demolished by way of controlled explosion, with the works being led by the demolition contractor, Dem-Master.
(Image: Images taken by Gordon Terris, Newsquest) We previously reported that New Gorbals Housing Association said saving the blocks was 'unsustainable and unaffordable' due to the inability to bring cladding up to acceptable safety standards without spending a large amount of money on structures with a limited lifespan.
The strategy for new homes was agreed between NGHA, Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government.
READ NEXT: Glasgow's Caledonia Road flats to be demolished - everything we know
(Image: Images taken by Gordon Terris, Newsquest) An exact time has not been provided for the demolition, but it is understood that the explosion will take place in the afternoon. Locals on social media have speculated that the demolition will take place around lunchtime.
Anyone from the local area can observe the explosion from a safe distance. To support this, a large exclusion zone will be in place, covering areas such as the Southern Necropolis and the Gorbals Rose Garden.
The demolition process will be loud and is likely to result in dust and debris in the area. However, those who wish to watch the demolition can do so from vantage points at Richmond Park or nearby allotments.
(Image: Images taken by Gordon Terris, Newsquest) It is set to be a sad day for many who lived good lives in the towers, some for many decades.
Earlier this year, the Glasgow Times spoke to a number of residents who either live in the area or previously lived in the blocks - and they were torn.
READ NEXT: Glasgow Gorbals residents share thoughts on Caledonia Road demolition
One man said the demolition was a great way to make the Gorbals more modern, while a local woman said the removal of the flats should improve the area. Another man agreed, saying that the demolition is a great idea to build new homes in the area.
However, some people felt saddened by the plans.
One man, who has lived in the area "all his days", said it was a great shame to see the blocks coming down.
The demolition will not only mark the end of an era but will also bring further change to the Gorbals skyline, as after the explosion, Waddell Court will be the only remaining tower block in the area.
(Image: Demolition of flats at Stirlingfauld Place in the Gorbals. Nick Ponty Staff.) This follows the demolition of the Sandiefield Road towers in 2013, the Norfolk Court towers in 2016, and the Stirlingfauld Place towers in 2008.
The Queen Elizabeth Square towers were blown up in a controlled explosion in September 1993. Helen Tinney, 61, was part of a large crowd watching the 22-storey flats' demolition when she was struck by a piece of flying debris. Mrs Tinney died in the Victoria Infirmary after collapsing at the scene of the blast.
(Image: Demolition of flats in Queen Elizabeth Square in Gorbals) (Image: Demolition of flats in Queen Elizabeth Square in Gorbals) For more information on New Gorbals Housing Association, visit
