Date for demolition of Newcastle tower block revealed.
A derelict Newcastle tower block will finally be blown up later this year.
Council bosses have confirmed that the delayed demolition of Hexham House, in Walker, will take place in November.
The blast, which will be the first explosive demolition in Newcastle for more than 15 years, was due to take place before the end of May but was pushed back as officials made plans for how it would be conducted safely.
Newcastle City Council has now told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the demolition will go ahead on Saturday, November 16.
Neighbouring residents will have to leave their homes for up to four hours on the day of the blast, with local authority bosses pledging to make community facilities available for people to stay in the area.
A live stream of the controlled explosion will also be made available for people to watch online.
Hexham House’s former neighbour, Titan House, was pulled down last year in a gradual process using “nibbling machines”.
But the city council that there had been “concerns” arising from that process and that a controlled explosion was deemed the safest option for the second tower, in Duncan Street.
Civic centre chiefs have been planning to get rid of the empty apartment blocks for several years as part of a regeneration of the area, which will be developed for 50 new homes.
The removal of the two 16-storey high rises has suffered multiple setbacks, including in 2022 when thieves broke in to steal copper piping while asbestos was being removed.
Thompsons of Prudhoe have been awarded the contract to demolish Hexham House and will need to carry out up to 10 weeks of preparatory work before the explosion.
Labour councillor Paula Maines, the council’s cabinet member responsible for housing, said: “The demolition of Hexham House is key to our regeneration plans for Walker but as with any work of this type safety is our primary concern. Although there have been some delays we have used the time to put plans in place to support local residents who may need help.
“I am delighted that we now have a confirmed date for the demolition. I am looking forward to watching the first controlled explosion in Newcastle for nearly two decades and hoping that local residents will join online to watch as the building comes down. I am also excited to see the regeneration of the area starting to take shape with plan for the development of up to 50 new high quality, environmentally friendly new homes on this site.”
The last explosive demolition in Newcastle was in 2008, when Sir Bobby Robson pushed the button as the old Scottish and Newcastle Brewery was reduced to rubble.
Nick Shilling, managing director at Thompsons of Prudhoe, said “We are thrilled to have been awarded this significant project by Newcastle City Council. Demolition work like this is not just about removing buildings, it’s about paving the way for future generations and reshaping the urban landscape.
“By carefully dismantling this outdated structure, we’re creating a blank canvas for new developments that will better serve the community. We’re proud to bring our decades of experience to bear on this project, ensuring it’s carried out with the utmost attention to safety, efficiency, and environmental considerations.
“This demolition marks an exciting step forward in the city’s evolution, and we’re honoured to play a crucial role in laying the groundwork for Newcastle’s bright future.”