It took just eight seconds and 30 kilos of explosives to blow down the two multi-storey tower blocks at 12 Riverford Road and 21 Riverbank Street, which were quickly reduced to 16,000 tonnes of rubble. The 23-storey high rise blocks were originally built in 1967 and were once home to around 500 people.
The properties were recommended for demolition following a decline in demand and popularity along with high investment and running costs and the regeneration plans for the area. The decision to clear and demolish the blocks was taken by GHA in April 2005 following consultation with the local community.
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Preparation work for the demolition started in October 2007, once all the tenants had been re-housed. The demolition of the blocks marks the first step in the regeneration of the Shawbridge area and plans are now underway to demolish a further two empty blocks at 124 & 142 Shawbridge Street.
Jim Sneddon, Executive Director of Regeneration at GHA said: "Shawbridge Corridor is one of eight areas identified as a priority area for regeneration by GHA and Glasgow City Council. The area has superb potential for future redevelopment given its location, the river, numerous interesting buildings and transport links."
A team of workmen and explosives experts have been working for nine months preparing the buildings for demolition. Now the 16,000 tonnes of rubble created by the demolition will be recycled, crushed and graded to be used as much as possible in the area.
The demolition was overseen by a consortium of companies, including contractor Coleman & Company and lead consultant and planning supervisor, DPSi.
Paul Mayo, Project Manager of Coleman, said: "The key objective was to ensure the demolition took place as safely as possible. Success depends on meticulous planning and team work. The co-operation within the project team has been excellent."
(GK/JM)
