Red Road flats are reduced to rubble in just seconds

Monday 11 June 2012

FOR almost 40 years they dominated the skyline in the north-east of Glasgow.

GOING, GOING, GONE: Crowds gathered to mark a moment of history as the Red Road flats, a dominant part of Glasgow's skyline for decades, were demolished in the space of just a few seconds. Pictures: Martin Shields

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MATTY SUTTON

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Video by Nick Ponty and Martin Shields

Yesterday, part of the Red Road flats, which had once homed thousands of families moved from the city's notorious slums, came down in a cloud of smoke.

Thousands gathered to say farewell to the three blocks in Petershill Drive – with the help of 275 kilos of heavy duty explosives. The blast signalling their downfall rang out across the city as the building toppled to one side and dust filled the air. The remaining seven multi-storeys, four of which are still occupied, will be demolished by 2017 as part of regeneration plans by Glasgow Housing Association (GHA), and partners, to transform communities. The 312 flats from 153-213 Petershill Drive differed from other multi-storey flats in the UK as they were taller, wider and were constructed using a steel frame, rather than concrete. This meant the explosion was different to a typical concrete tower block demolition. The top half appeared to fall over to one side when the explosives were detonated and the bottom storeys remain to be knocked down by long-reach machinery at a later date. Around 2000 people nearby were temporarily evacuated from their homes, with many of the local residents staying with family or at a local centre. When the flats were built, between 1964 and 1969, they were seen as a solution to the city's overcrowding problem. They were recommended for demolition following a decline in demand and popularity, alongside high running costs. The majority of residents were re-housed nearby in one of GHA's 259 new-build homes. Around 6000 tonnes of steel and rubble left over will be crushed and graded. It is expected 99% of the building can be recycled. The clear-up operation will take months, but once the site is cleared, it will be levelled and grass seed will be spread. Red Road consisted of eight blocks, including two 'triple blocks', made up of three towers joined together. There were nearly 1320 flats which provided housing for around 5000 people. Finlay McKay, 42, was born there and brought his three children to watch the demolition. The firefighter, who now lives in Swinton in the east end of Glasgow, lived on the 25th floor of the block for 23 years until 1991. He said Red Road was a "brilliant" place to live. Mr McKay added: "It was fantastic. It has made me and I have still got my pals from there." Alex McGuire, GHA's executive director of Development and Regeneration, said: "The Red Road flats were popular in their day, but their time has come to an end."

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Red Road flats are reduced to rubble in just seconds

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