A LEADING Scots architect has called for an investigation and questioned the proposed demolition of high rise blocks in Glasgow which he described as ‘historic.’
Professor Alan Dunlop will today speak at a public meeting organised by the residents in an area of Glasgow’s Maryhill.
Last December Wyndford Residents' Union were among tenants informed that four tower blocks, which had switched from landlords Cube Housing Association to Glasgow Housing Association, were earmarked for demolition. The 600 flats would be demolished to make way for 300 new energy-efficient affordable homes under the £54million project.
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It is understood that 200 of the 600 flats remain occupied by people who don’t want to lose their community.
Mr Dunlop, a Fellow of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland and the Royal Society of Arts and who trained at the Mackintosh School of Architecture, will address the meeting at Maryhill Hub, later this afternoon.
Tower blocks at Wyndford would be replaced by more energy efficient homes according to GHA. Photo: Colin Mearns.
He said given the national strategy for architects, and discussed at COP 26 world climate conference last year, is to retrofit, a more climate friendly option, rather than demolish why this idea was being pushed forward.
Mr Dunlop said: “I thought Glasgow had changed its attitude towards its tower blocks. Before the attitude changed they had knocked down nearly a third or even closer to half. Then there was a change in attitude – they would try and retrofit them and upgrade and I think that has been successful.
“Wyndford residents got in touch with me as I had been involved in doing a building study for Cedar Court, which marks the entrance way in the city centre. They had been planned for demolition for some time as it was thought nothing could be done with them, but they were retrofitted. Insulation was added, the sound proofing inside improved and what were balconies before turned into almost enclosures, winter gardens, which have become successful.”
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Mr Dunlop said he was aware of the Wyndford flats architecturally and described them as stunning.
He added: “I can’t think of a similar site of such quality anywhere in Glasgow. It is south facing, it borders right into the River Kelvin and is on the edge of a high quality residential area. The concept behind these kinds of blocks came from a city engineer Ernest Buteux whose ideas were about a strength in community spirit. Not only did the project, which was on the site of what was Maryhill Barracks, contain residences it had a primary school and shops. He was aiming to create these flats and a community. I think that is still successful.”
1969 - Wyndford Housing Estate at dusk.
Mr Dunlop has spent time discovering the estate and said he can’t think of many places that has that quality of environment, but he said he can see why what happens next could be desirable to developers.
He added: “The father of modern architecture, Le Corbusier's, developed the idea of high towers for residences and developed what he called the ground plane leaving the landscape free for people to enjoy so towers were lifted above the ground and the landscape floated underneath and you can still see that in this circumstance it seems to have worked because there really is a strong community spirit there. These four towers represent the of Le Corbusier and as consequence of that I think they have historic importance.”
Professor Alan Dunlop will speak at the public meeting
Nick Durie, of Wyndford Residents Association, said stressed the importance of the 600 flats and more affordable rents during a cost of living crisis.
A Wheatley Homes Glasgow spokesman said: “Tenants in Wyndford overwhelmingly support the plans to demolish these flats and for £54 million to be invested in their community.
“An eight-week consultation saw 85% of Wyndford tenants back the regeneration plans, with 87% of tenants living in the four blocks earmarked for demolition also supporting the proposals.
“The £54m regeneration will see hundreds of new energy-efficient, affordable homes built and wider investment, including better car parking and bin stores; internal upgrades to tenants’ homes, and new lighting and CCTV.
“The four blocks, which are already being prepared for demolition, had low levels of occupancy and very high rates of turnover.”
The public are welcome to attend the meeting at 5pm at the Maryhill Hub.
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