Tower Block Demolition Planned

Work to demolish Scotland's tallest residential tower blocks will begin next month. The 31-storey flats will disappear from Glasgow's skyline by summer 2016, Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) said. Built in 1969, the Whitevale and Bluevale high-rises in the Gallowgate area stand 279 feet (85 metres) tall. They will be taken apart piece by piece by workers from demolition firm Safedem using a special platform at the top of the towers. Alex McGuire from GHA's parent company Wheatley Group said: "The Gallowgate Twins have a special place in people's hearts and in Glasgow's history, but their time has come to an end. "This unique demolition is another important step in the ongoing regeneration of housing in the city and will ensure our homes are fit for future generations.'' The blocks have been set for demolition for several years, with some tenants moving into a GHA development across the road. Others transferred to GHA homes in other areas and into houses operated by other social landlords. Safedem will begin lifting the platform on to the roof of 109 Bluevale Street next month. Work is expected to be completed by next summer and the demolition of 51 Whitevale Street will begin soon after. The platform technique lets workers remove walls and floors from top to bottom without using scaffolding. Safedem managing director William Sinclair said: "We carefully assess every project before developing the safest and most appropriate method of demolition. "The 'TopDownWay' is an innovative system designed for the deconstruction of high-rise structures in close proximity to nearby properties.'' Bluevale and Whitevale were the tallest public housing project in Britain before they were eclipsed in the early 1970s by London's 42-storey Barbican Estate. The future use of the cleared site has yet to be confirmed.