Latest news with #StFrancis'PrimarySchool
Daily Record
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Dramatic moment two Glasgow tower blocks are blown down in double demolition
The pair of 226ft buildings - some of last standing tower blocks in the Gorbals - were brought down using explosives at around noon on Sunday. Two Glasgow tower blocks were blown down in a dramatic double demolition today. The pair of 226ft buildings - some of the last standing tower blocks in the Gorbals - were brought down using explosives at around 1pm on Sunday. Large exclusion zones were in place as crowds gathered to watch the detonation - with threw up huge clouds of dust and debris. The tower blocks, Numbers 305 and 341 Caledonia Road, were built in 1965 amid a move to regenerate the area which was once known for its overcrowded, dilapidated Victorian tenements. Plans to demolish the blocks were announced two years ago with the cost running to £6.5million. Housing chiefs say the 23-storey blocks were razed to make way for 150 new homes after concerns were raised about the safety of the materials used. New Gorbals Housing Association said: "Over the last few months, the contractor for the blow-down has been making progress preparing the buildings for demolition. "This includes stripping the buildings, removing the concierge building and working with the association to save tonnes of material from landfill." After World War Two, the Gorbals area became known as one of Europe's worst slums. The towers were built in 1971 between St Francis' Primary School and the Southern Necropolis cemetery. But in 2021, tenants were moved out due to fears over flammable building materials which were too costly to replace. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The exclusion zone covered the graveyard and the nearby Gorbals rose gardens. Onlookers gathered at vantage points to watch, including Richmond Park and nearby allotments. The controlled explosion will be managed by contractors Dem-Master. A string of Gorbals tower blocks have been demolished over the years. Buildings in Sandiefield Road came down in 2013, followed by Norfolk Court's flats taken down in 2016. The Stirlingfauld Place towers were blown down in 2008. Tragedy struck when the large Queen Elizabeth Square towers came down in September 1993, killing Helen Tinney, 61, after being struck by debris. Just one tower now remains at Waddell Court.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Glasgow tower blocks to be demolished THIS WEEKEND – here's what you need to know
The two 226ft high-rises contained a total of 276 flats and are being brought down under controlled explosion TEARING IT DOWN Glasgow tower blocks to be demolished THIS WEEKEND – here's what you need to know Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TWO 226ft tower blocks are being toppled using explosives this weekend. Housing chiefs revealed the twin high-rises will be brought down around lunch time on Sunday in Glasgow's Gorbals. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The demolition will clear space for 150 new social homes in the Gorbals Credit: Jeff3 The blocks contained 276 flats but were found too costly to modernise 3 The demolition follows the razing of blocks on the city's Wyndford estate in Maryhill in March The 23-storey blocks are being razed to make way for 150 new homes after fire safety concerns were raised about cladding and timber balconies. A large exclusion zone will be put in place with those wanting to watch warned the demolition will be loud and throw up huge clouds of dust and debris. New Gorbals Housing Association says teams are ready to move in with the buildings stripped. A spokesman said: "Over the last few months, the contractor for the blow-down has been making progress preparing the buildings for demolition. "This includes stripping the buildings, removing the concierge building and working with the association to save tonnes of material from landfill." Bosses announced plans to demolish the blocks two years ago with the cost running to £6.5million. Teams working from platforms have been seen removing materials from the buildings which contain a total of 276 flats. They will be replaced with social housing. Tenants were moved out in 2021 due to the risks posed by flammable building materials which were too costly to replace. Wrecking machines move in to demolish 'ghost town' Scots estate dubbed 'Britain's Chernobyl' The towers were built in 1971 and are nestled between St Francis' Primary School and the Southern Necropolis cemetery. The exclusion zone will cover the graveyard and the nearby Gorbals rose gardens. It is not yet known how long it will be in place for, with bosses insisting the priority is making sure it is evacuated before the controlled explosion. Vantage points to watch the historic moment could include Richmond Park or nearby allotments.
