Red Road Flats To Be Demolished In Single Explosion

The remaining six of a group of iconic tower blocks are to be demolished in a controlled explosion later this year.

The Red Road Flats in Glasgow will be brought down in a single blowdown to cause less disruption to residents.

When they were built between 1964 and 1969, the flats were the highest in Europe at 292ft (89 metres) and were designed to hold 4,700 people.

Plans to demolish five of them during the opening ceremony of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games were abandoned following criticism.

The demolition of the remaining flats is the latest part of Glasgow Housing Association's (GHA) regeneration of communities across the city which will see thousands of new homes built.

David Fletcher, director of regeneration for GHA, said: "we're working very closely with our contractor and partners on plans to bring down all six remaining blocks in a single demolition later this year.

"Our contractor is preparing the blocks for demolition with work carried out to stringent health and safety regulations.

"We'll continue to work with members of the local community about arrangements for the day.

"We'd like to thank all of the residents again for their patience and understanding during this important part of the community regeneration project.''

There were originally eight blocks, one of which was demolished in June 2012 and another in May 2013.

The remaining six blocks are all empty and are being prepared for demolition, which will take place some time in the autumn.

Future development options for the cleared site are at an early stage and there will be further community consultation over the summer.