The skyline of Motherwell will be changing significantly later this year after North Lanarkshire Council announced plans to carry out a controlled blowdown of three empty tower blocks.
The demolition of Allan, Coursington, and Draffen Towers had been unexpectedly delayed by technical issues, and the council has now confirmed that a controlled blowdown is the safest and most effective method for demolishing the three blocks.
The demolition will involve a single blowdown event for all three towers, a method chosen to minimise disruption to the local community.
Key safety measures will be implemented including the creation of an exclusion zone around the site to protect residents during the demolition.
Additionally, temporary road and footpath closures will be necessary at key points around the boundary line. These closures will only last for several hours, and residents will be notified well in advance.
Stephen Llewellyn, the council’s Chief Officer (Housing), said: “We are delighted to now be able to move forward with these plans and want to thank all surrounding residents and businesses for their patience.
“We recognise that this process has taken longer than anticipated and has caused some disruption, but safety remains our top priority.
“The controlled blowdown method has been carefully selected following extensive specialist surveys and consultations with expert demolition engineers.”
The demolition process is complex and requires meticulous planning to ensure the controlled blowdown is carried out safely and efficiently.
While the exact date for the blowdown is still being finalised, it is anticipated to take place towards the end of 2025. The council will continue to keep residents and businesses informed as plans progress.
Following the demolition, the site will be cleared in preparation for future redevelopment.
Businesses and residents near the towers will be receiving a newsletter with further details about the demolition plans and upcoming information sessions.
Michael McPake, NLC’s Convener of Housing, said: “This is a significant milestone in our commitment to building a better future for Motherwell. We will continue to work closely with the community to ensure a safe and smooth process.”
The announcement comes as the council revealed it plans to build 6,000 new council homes by 2035.
NLC’s Housing Committee agreed to an increase in the programme, which is one of the largest in the country, from 5,000 to 6,000 homes.
Councillor McPake continued: “Our new supply programme is one of the most ambitious in the country. We’ve made significant progress in delivering and increasing the availability of modern homes for social rent and our exciting plans for expansion will add to this.
“Our vision for North Lanarkshire links these plans to the re-provisioning of all tower blocks over 20 years, with new homes to be built on the sites of the tower blocks following their demolition.
The homes will be delivered by a range of measures currently used, including traditional new build, off the shelf purchases and the council’s Open Market Purchase Scheme.
The council has already completed 1581 new build homes, including a record 335 homes last year, the second highest number of social rented completions in Scotland.
The programme’s increase continues to be dependent on continuity of grant funding via the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme and rental income.
Councillor McPake added: “Like many other councils, we are facing increased housing pressure with homelessness figures rising in recent years due to the shortage of affordable housing, private rent increases and higher mortgage payments.
“This in turn raises demand for social rented homes with around four applicants per social rented allocation.
“We are committed to supporting people across our communities, meeting their housing aspirations now and in the future.
“Our plans to expand our council housing supply programme, will help us continue to deliver affordable housing at pace, changing lives and transforming communities while making North Lanarkshire the place to live.”
Further updates will also be posted on the council website.
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