ALMOST 50 years of Motherwell history was reduced to rubble in a matter of seconds on Sunday afternoon with the demolition of Glencairn Tower.
After months of meticulous preparation by experts Technical Demolition Services the “blow-down”, which involved 100kilos of explosives, went off without a hitch just after noon.
From mid-morning crowds began to gather around the perimeter of the police cordon in an attempt to secure a good view of the spectacle. And say a final farewell to the 17-storey landmark – the largest of its kind in North Lanarkshire.
By the time the rasping sounds of the warning horns rang out, there were thousands of spectators lining the surrounding streets in anticipation.
And then, just like that, it was gone. As soon as Glencairn Tower fell the surrounding buildings were enveloped in a cloud of thick brown dust.
“Our aim was to ensure the tower was demolished safely and with minimum disruption to residents and businesses during this process,” explained Councillor Barry McCulloch, convener of housing and social work services. “Today’s successful demolition achieved that.
“Many council services were involved in ensuring today’s demolition, in particular housing and social work, roads and property team. I’d also like to mention the support from Strathclyde Police, Lanarkshire Housing Association, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and the other partners who had a role in the planning stages for today’s blow-down.
“I now look forward to the site making way for new homes as part of the council’s £75 million Building for the Future investment and regenerating Motherwell Town Centre.”
Following the demolition, a number of tasks were carried out. Property inspections took place and remarkably the only damage contractors identified was a cracked window on a nearby property.
Street cleaning services were mobilised and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue were on hand with pumps to hose down any buildings affected by dust.
The clear-up of the site has already begun and will continue into the New Year. The vacant site will be used for new-build homes to house the next generation of tenants.
Former tenant Colin Campbell added: “It has been a nostalgic and emotional day for myself and probably for a number of local people. Having lived in and grown up in the tower I have many fond memories of the building, particularly as my dad was one of the caretakers there.
“It was spectacular to see and I’m sure the new houses planned for the tower site will make a positive difference to the local area.”
Craig Wilson, commercial director with contractor Technical Demolition Services, said: “We’re pleased that the demolition went to plan. With Glencairn having a steel structure, which is unusual for a tower block, we were presented with a number of challenges. For example, 64 charges were set off due to the structure. I believe it’s the first steel structured building to be demolished not only in the UK but possibly the world.
“Undertaking a blow-down is a huge task and success is all in the planning and co-operation of the contractor and the client. This particular demolition is an example of excellent planning and co-ordination of services.”
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