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Tower blocks demolished in blast Tower blocks demolished in blast
(about 2 hours later)
Two multi-storey tower blocks in Glasgow were reduced to 16,000 tons of rubble in just eight seconds during a controlled explosion.Two multi-storey tower blocks in Glasgow were reduced to 16,000 tons of rubble in just eight seconds during a controlled explosion.
Sunday's demolition in the Riverford Road area was the latest to be carried out by Glasgow Housing Association.Sunday's demolition in the Riverford Road area was the latest to be carried out by Glasgow Housing Association.
The decision to knock down the buildings came due to a decline in the popularity for high-rise living.The decision to knock down the buildings came due to a decline in the popularity for high-rise living.
Residents from about 190 properties near the flats were evacuated for safety reasons.Residents from about 190 properties near the flats were evacuated for safety reasons.
The demolition, at about 1200 BST, marks the first step in the regeneration of Shawbridge.
We are committed to building a new, stronger community for future generations of local people Jim SneddonGlasgow Housing AssociationWe are committed to building a new, stronger community for future generations of local people Jim SneddonGlasgow Housing Association
The demolition, at about 1200 BST, marks the first step in the regeneration of Shawbridge.
Plans are now under way to demolish a further two empty blocks at 124 and 142 Shawbridge Street.Plans are now under way to demolish a further two empty blocks at 124 and 142 Shawbridge Street.
Jim Sneddon, from the Glasgow Housing Association (GHA), said: "Shawbridge Corridor is one of eight areas in the city which has been identified as a priority area for regeneration by GHA and Glasgow City Council.Jim Sneddon, from the Glasgow Housing Association (GHA), said: "Shawbridge Corridor is one of eight areas in the city which has been identified as a priority area for regeneration by GHA and Glasgow City Council.
"Today's demolition marks the start of that process."Today's demolition marks the start of that process.
"The area has superb potential for future redevelopment given its excellent location, the river, numerous interesting buildings and transport links. "The area has superb potential for future redevelopment given its excellent location, the river, numerous interesting buildings and transport links.One of the two tower blocks falls to the ground [Pic by Tom Finnie]
"We are committed to building a new, stronger community for future generations of local people.""We are committed to building a new, stronger community for future generations of local people."
Team of experts
The land will now be cleared of the rubble left from the flats and 80 new homes with be built in its place.The land will now be cleared of the rubble left from the flats and 80 new homes with be built in its place.
The aim is to provide a total of 900 new properties which will be made available for rent, low cost home ownership and private sale.The aim is to provide a total of 900 new properties which will be made available for rent, low cost home ownership and private sale.
Teams of experts have been working for nine months preparing the flats, built in 1967, for Sunday's demolition.Teams of experts have been working for nine months preparing the flats, built in 1967, for Sunday's demolition.
The demolition operation was overseen by a consortium of companies appointed by GHA, including main contractor Coleman & Company and lead consultant and planning supervisor DPSi.The demolition operation was overseen by a consortium of companies appointed by GHA, including main contractor Coleman & Company and lead consultant and planning supervisor DPSi.
Earlier this month, five tower blocks were razed in Glasgow's Sighthill area and three demolished in Millarston, Paisley.Earlier this month, five tower blocks were razed in Glasgow's Sighthill area and three demolished in Millarston, Paisley.