July 24 2023

G3 Consulting Engineers have lodged plans for the demolition of twin Glasgow tower blocks at 305 and 341 Caledonia Road, on behalf of New Gorbals Housing Association (NGHA).

The social landlord proposes to bring down both reinforced concrete blocks along with a connecting concierge facility via controlled explosion.

In a statement of intent, the applicant wrote: "NGHA require to undertake the demolition of 2 multi-storey tower blocks located at 305 and 341 Caledonia Road Glasgow, together with the single-storey concierge office and link corridor between the blocks. The tower blocks are each 35 x 17m in plan area with an approximate height of 71m and comprise in situ reinforced concrete frames and gable cladding panels. The blocks have previously been over-clad (by ECD Architects) with aggregate-faced rain-screen cladding panels to the gables and the main elevations comprise a combination of glazing panels, open balconies and insulated panels.

"The final demolition methodology will be determined following the completion of a tendering exercise, however it is currently anticipated that at least one of the blocks (No 305) will be demolished by the controlled use of explosives with the other (No 341) being carried out either by a similar method or by deconstruction."

A building warrant for soft strip works has already been obtained ahead of the appointment of a contractor and a post-demolition site preparation plan has been drawn up by Elder & Cannon.

4 Comments

#1 Posted by Spike on 24 Jul 2023 at 16:37 PM

Has the retention, and upgrading, option been throughly explored?

#2 Posted by KLD on 25 Jul 2023 at 09:40 AM

Surprised to see buildings of this scale being demolished given the embodied carbon argument.

#3 Posted by Mr Retrofit on 26 Jul 2023 at 08:39 AM

I wish NGHA would take a look at the Cedar Street towers, which are an excellent example of saving these perfectly good buildings. I'm pretty sure MEARU have a case study on them

#4 Posted by Georwell 84 on 27 Jul 2023 at 09:29 AM

This is exactly what you do NOT want to be doing in the central area of any city.

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