Build Scotland Construction Directory
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Share this page
Construction News
14/04/2014

Red Road Demolition Plans Dropped

Organisers behind this year's Commonwealth Games have decided to cancel a plan to demolish the Red Road flats as part of the opening ceremony.

Five of the six remaining blocks were scheduled to be razed to the ground in July.

However, the proposal has been controversial with many arguing that the decision was "disrespectful" and "insensitive" to the families who had previously lived in the buildings.

An online petition was quickly launched by former Socialist MSP Carolyn Leckie to stop the demolition works. A total of 17,239 people signed the petition.

Last Friday (11 April), it was revealed that talks were to be held regarding the move, but yesterday it was revealed that the demolition will no longer go ahead.

It is understood the decision was taken due to issues expressed over "safety and security".

-- Advertisement --
NorthernAsbestosServicesLtd

In a statement, David Grevemberg, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014, said: "The decision to feature the live demolition of five Red Road blocks within the Opening Ceremony was planned both as commemoration of a part of Glasgow's social history as well as a statement of the city's regeneration.

"We made it clear from the outset the absolute priority was safety and that this event would only happen during the Opening Ceremony if it was safe to do so.

"Over the past few days it has become clear that opinions have been expressed which change the safety and security context. Glasgow 2014, Games Partners and key stakeholders, including Police Scotland and Glasgow Housing Association, are not prepared to allow what was proposed to be a positive act of commemoration to create risk for all concerned, including the communities of north east Glasgow.

"The demolition of Red Road will now not feature as part of the Opening Ceremony. The demolition of the Red Road blocks is a matter for Glasgow Housing Association and will take place under a full safety regime as part of their on-going regeneration programme.

"However, it remains our intention to dedicate an element within the Ceremony to telling the story of Glasgow's social history and regeneration."

The Red Road tower blocks were built in the mid-1960s. The eight structures, each 30 storeys tall, housed more than 4,000 people. Two of the blocks have already been demolished, while the five blocks that were due to be brought down as part of the Games will now be rescheduled. A final block of flats will also be demolished at a later date.

(JP/IT)

Latest Construction News

22/11/2024

SP Energy Networks has announced a major investment in Britain's electricity grid, selecting 19 preferred partners to deliver a £5.4bn supply chain programme. This significant initiative aims to meet increasing energy demand and facilitate future growth. The selected companies, many of which are ...
22/11/2024

Edinburgh City Council has launched a 12-week public consultation on a new strategy to revitalise Princes Street and the wider Waverley Valley. The vision aims to create a more vibrant and welcoming city centre, attracting investment, supporting businesses, and enhancing the visitor ...
22/11/2024

Ener-G Services Limited, a leading UK electrical engineering company specialising in renewables, marine, and offshore sectors, has expanded its operations in Westhill, Aberdeenshire. The company has leased Unit 6E at Kingshill Commercial Park, a 2,500 sq ft space, on a 5-year lease. This new ...
22/11/2024

A consortium of leading scientists, industry experts, and academic institutions has joined forces to accelerate Scotland's offshore wind sector. The £2.5 million project, led by the University of Edinburgh in collaboration with the University of Dundee and the Forth and Tay Offshore cluster (FTO), ...
22/11/2024

The Port of Aberdeen and Turner & Townsend were highly commended in the 'Engineering, Construction & Infrastructure Project of the Year' category at the APM Project Management Awards 2024. The award recognises excellence in project management and the positive impact on end-users. The £420 million ...
22/11/2024

South Lanarkshire Council's £10 million fire safety improvement programme has reached a significant milestone, with CCG (Scotland) completing installations in over 1,700 high-rise residences across East Kilbride and Cambuslang. The Glasgow-based construction firm has been working closely with the ...
22/11/2024

SSEN Transmission, a key player in the UK's energy transition, is set to further expand its workforce and move into a new, sustainable office space in Glasgow. The company's commitment to net zero and the increasing demand for green energy workers has led to significant growth, with the number of ...
22/11/2024

Scottish Water is investing in the upgrade of its Loch Eck clean water plant in Dunoon. The project involves replacing outdated dry well pumps with new, more reliable pumps capable of operating in both wet and dry conditions. WGM Engineering, an RSK Group company, has been tasked with carrying out ...
22/11/2024

Scottish Land & Estates has expressed serious concerns over the Scottish Government's Land Reform Bill, particularly the provisions that would allow ministers to force landowners to sell large estates in lots. Sarah-Jane Laing, the organisation's chief executive, stated that while the land-based ...
22/11/2024

Clark Contracts employees have once again shown their commitment to community engagement by volunteering at Silverburn Park in Leven. On Thursday, 21st November, 16 members of the team spent their day planting over 400 trees and carrying out other landscaping tasks. This latest volunteering effort ...
Morris & Spottiswood LtdRBT Underfloor LimitedToner Damp Proofing SuppliesNo HydroSEEIT3DCF Concrete PumpingMaccaferri LtdDiscount Kitchens and Bathrooms LtdShopfronts ScotlandJSJ Foam Insulation Ltd
Terms and Conditions
2024/11/23 09:09:54