In a significant development, two towering residential blocks in Glasgow’s Gorbals district are slated for demolition due to fire safety concerns. The New Gorbals Housing Association (NGHA) has initiated the process of relocating residents from the 276 flats located at 305 and 341 Caledonia Road.

The decision to demolish the buildings was taken following a fire safety assessment conducted in 2019. The assessment revealed that the fire risk could only be permanently mitigated by removing the cladding and timber balconies installed in the 1990s. Consequently, it was decided that public funds would be more effectively utilised in rehousing the current tenants, demolishing the existing structures, and financing a new construction project.

Plans for the site include the development of a new social housing project, comprising approximately 150 houses and flats. However, the timeline for this project remains uncertain due to escalating construction costs. The NGHA has submitted a prior notification of demolition to the Glasgow City Council, with the expectation that the towers will be completely vacated by the end of July.

The NGHA initiated a rehousing programme in April 2021, following a consultation process which revealed that 88.5% of tenants were in favour of relocation and demolition. The planning officials will now decide whether prior approval needs to be granted by the council, and work could commence as early as August or September this year.

The NGHA anticipates that the site will be cleared by December of the following year. In the interim, the association proposes the creation of a “temporary park” until the new development can commence. The final method of demolition for the two blocks and a single-storey concierge office will be determined once a contractor has been selected. It is currently anticipated that at least one of the blocks will be demolished using controlled explosives.

The decision to demolish the blocks was taken in consultation with the Scottish Government and the council, considering the extent of the remedial works required, the need to relocate residents during the work, the duration of potential risk exposure, and the low demand for high-rise homes. The Scottish Government has provided funding for the rehousing programme.