UK's tallest demolition machine to take down Glasgow flats
The tallest demolition crane in the UK has arrived in Glasgow to begin work on taking down two decaying blocks of high-rise flats.
The 220-feet-high long-reach machine will begin work on the flats at 8 Ibroxholm Oval and 9 Ibrox Terrace, in Ibrox this month. The machine - a Liebherr 984C, fitted with a Kocurek telescopic arm - will take apart the buildings piece by piece, in a mission that is likely to take around nine months.
The 22-storey buildings stand in the middle of other housing projects. David Fletcher, Glasgow Housing Association's Assistant Director of Regeneration, said they had opted for a structured dismantling rather than an explosive demolition because of the surrounding homes.
"The use of the long-reach machine will minimise any disruption to residents and local businesses while the demolition work takes place," he explained.
The occupants of the two 1960s blocks were all rehoused in recent months to better-quality social housing, and the site of the towers is to become a crucial part of Glasgow's over-arching regeneration scheme.
A third adjacent tower is being left standing, but is to be completely gutted and reconditioned as housing for young professionals and key workers, such as staff at the nearby Southern General Hospital.
