Demolition of Newcastle tower block delayed
The demolition of a derelict Newcastle tower block's been delayed - as the council work out how to blow it up safely
The demolition of a derelict Newcastle tower block's been delayed - as the council work out how to blow it up safely.
The 16-storey Hexham House, in Walker, was expected to be brought down by the end of May in a controlled explosion, which would be the first of its kind in Newcastle since 2008.
But the building remains standing and no new date has been set for the demolition, with civic centre officials saying that they are still working out how to safely carry out the blast.
A spokesperson for Newcastle City Council confirmed: “Plans for the demolition of Hexham House are progressing but, as with any work of this type, safety must be a primary concern. We are currently consulting with local stakeholders and service providers to make sure the demolition is completed safely and efficiently.
“We recently held an information day with local residents to identify any support we may need to put in place on demolition day. We will confirm the date of the demolition once it is agreed.”
Hexham House’s former neighbour, Titan House, was pulled down last year in a gradual process that saw “nibbling machines” used to remove the block.
The city council said in March that there had been “concerns” arising from that process and that a controlled explosion was now deemed the safest option for the second tower.
Plans to get rid of the two blocks have been in the works for years and have suffered multiple setbacks – including when, in 2022, officials warned that work to remove asbestos from the empty sites has been “made more challenging” after a gang of thieves broke in to steal copper piping.
The clearance works, which will also include a block of low-rise flats over the nearby Church Walk shops being demolished too, will eventually pave the way for up to 50 new homes being built on the Church Street 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.