Deemed too ‘unsustainable and unaffordable’ to save, two high-rise blocks of flats in Glasgow are set to be demolished.
This comes after plans from New Gorbals Housing Association to bring down tower blocks 305 and 341 Caledonia Road, were presented to Glasgow City Council in June this year, citing a fire safety risk.
An assessment in 2019 had found the fire risk could “only be permanently reduced” by removing cladding and timber balconies installed in the 1990s.
After a consultation with residents, it was reported that public investment would be ‘better directed’ at rehousing the existing tenants.
The two blocks will reportedly be demolished over an 18-month period.
Speaking with the Glasgow Times, Fraser Stewart, Director of the community-owned New Gorbals Housing Association said: “The flats are being demolished as they are not up to the modern safety standards, and it would be unaffordable and unsustainable to do them up and modernise them.
“It will be a sad day for people who have had a wonderful life in these buildings, but that time has come to an end and that’s life, it moves on.”
Mr Stewart had also confirmed that the vast majority of residents have been rehomed locally after the move began in Spring 2021, with many moving to new build homes funded by the Scottish Government.
“No longer fit for purpose”
Jean Miller, New Gorbals Housing Association’s chairperson, added: “We are delighted that the rehousing process went so smoothly and I would like to thank our staff for their great efforts, and the tenants for their excellent cooperation and patience throughout the whole exercise.
“Nearly every tenant has now been happily rehoused. In some ways, it is a great shame that these blocks are coming down because they have provided excellent accommodation over the decades, and many Gorbals folk have very happy memories of living in them.
“However, they are no longer fit for purpose and we have agreed a strategy with Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government that will allow the blocks to be demolished and replaced with new housing throughout the Gorbals.
“We have already built over 120 new homes since we took the decision to demolish, and we are working on fantastic proposals for 150 socially rented homes on the site after demolition.”
The demolition date has not yet been set, but housing chiefs hope the demolition and site clearance will be complete by Spring 2025.
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