Two of Scotland's tallest residential high-rise flats are to be demolished.

The Bluevale and Whitevale multi-storeys, located in Gallowgate in Glasgow, will be taken down "piece by piece", according to Glasgow Housing Association (GHA).

Safedem, the demolition contractor, will be responsible for the project.

The blocks, which are 31-storeys tall and stretching to 85 metres, will be razed to the ground by specialist staff by using a platform placed on top of the building.

The 'top-down' demolition method has been chosen due to the blocks close proximity to nearby roads and the neighbouring structures.

The deconstruction system avoids the need for scaffolding, and will see a platform installed on each building. This allows the walls and floors to be removed piece by piece. Once work on each floor is completed, the platform descends down the building until it reaches ground level.


Safedem will start to lift the platform onto the roof of the Bluevale multi-storey next month, with work expected to be completed by summer 2015. The deconstruction of 51 Whitevale Street will commence shortly after, with the site cleared by 2016.

Alex McGuire, Director of Property for GHA's parent company Wheatley Group, said: "The Gallowgate Twins have a special place in people's hearts and in Glasgow's history, but their time has come to an end. This unique demolition is another important step in the ongoing regeneration of housing in the city and will ensure our homes are fit for future generations."

William Sinclair, Safedem Managing Director, added: "We carefully assess every project before developing the safest and most appropriate method of demolition. The 'TopDownWay' is an innovative system designed for the deconstruction of high-rise structures in close proximity to nearby properties."

Following the demolition of the two premises, GHA has said the future of the site will be subject to discussion with Glasgow City Council.

Bluevale and Whitevale were regarded as Scotland's tallest residential buildings when they were built in 1969. They were eclipsed in the early 1970s by three London tower blocks in the 42-storey Barbican Estate.

(JP/MH)