Builders move in as Glasgow Gorbals high-rise demolition begins after fire fears

It is understood that at least one of the blocks will be taken down by a controlled explosion.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Demolition crews have started pulling down two high-rises in the southside amid plans to build hundreds of homes on the site.

Plans were approved last year to tear down two of the last standing Gorbals tower blocks which were built in 1965 amid a move to regenerate the area which was once known for its overcrowded, dilapidated Victorian tenements. Notorious for their slum-like conditions, the buildings were cleared under the Glasgow Corporation as part of the post-war redevelopment in the 1950s.

In their place rose concrete tower blocks, like those at 341 and 305 Caledonia Road, which boasted of being a new standard of living. At its peak, the Gorbals was home to 16 of the towering blocks.

READ MORE: Glasgow footage shows tragic demolition of Gorbals flats that left one dead in 1993

READ MORE: The notoriously dire Gorbals flats that locals dubbed 'The Dampies'

However, over the years the blocks were plagued by crime and maintenance issues and most were pulled down to be replaced with smaller flat blocks and housing. Now the last two structures are undergoing the same fate as crews have set up on site.

Glasgow City Council were previously alerted to fire safety risks in 2019, with an assessment finding that cladding and timber balconies installed in the 1990s would need to be removed.

Work is underway
Work is underway

Following a consultation with residents, it was decided that investment would be “better directed at rehousing the existing tenants, demolishing the buildings and funding a new-build programme of replacement housing”.

Tenants living in high-rise flats, which were found to be at “risk of fire spread” due to “combustible” cladding, have been being moved into new homes since 2021.

Housing is planned for the site.
Housing is planned for the site.

Images taken today (September 22) show an area around the two blocks has been sealed off with cladding pulled from the side of one building and diggers on site. It is understood at least one of the blocks will be taken down by a controlled explosion.

Following the completion of the works, The New Gorbals Housing Association are to build a new social housing estate, with around 150 flats to replace the 276 lost houses. The proposals are aimed at providing housing to meet a range of housing needs, in particular larger families and people with mobility issues.

It will include a mix of seven-storey, four-storey and two-storey blocks reflecting the existing buildings in the area.

Sign up to our daily Glasgow Live newsletter here to receive news and features direct to your inbox

Join Glasgow Live's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.