Glasgow blowdown clears the way

Safedem recorded another explosive demolition in the Scottish city of Glasgow when it brought down a 25-storey block of flats in Roystonhill in the north of the city. The demolition forms part of Glasgow Housing Authority’s ongoing regeneration programme with the site, once cleared, being used for the construction of 100 new GHA homes. GHA has invested more than £1.3 billion since 2003 in modernising, improving and building homes across the city.

These new homes are just part of wider plans to regenerate the north of Glasgow, with a further 141 being built in Sighthill and 157 in Barmulloch. Alex McGuire, Director of Property for Wheatley Group, GHA’s parent company, said: “This is one part of a new beginning for the North of Glasgow. These flats were home to hundreds of families since 1968 – but their time had come to an end. These exciting regeneration plans will see the area transformed with hundreds of new homes being built. We’d like to thank all of the tenants and local businesses for their cooperation in another successful demolition.”

The block was charged with 40 kg (88 lb) of explosive by specialist contractor Safedem to bring the structure down in just five seconds. Safedem managing director William Sinclair said of the blowdown: “It requires a real team effort and everyone has pulled together to make this another safe and successful demolition. We’d particularly like to thank nearby residents for their patience and understanding while the demolition was carried out.”

The site will be cleared of the 10,000 tonnes of demolition debris by the middle of 2014, with steel and other metals removed for recycling and other debris crushed and used on-site for various fill applications.