Demolition work to begin on Glasgow's Gallowgate towers

DEMOLITION of the Gallowgate twins - the tallest flat towers in Glasgow - will begin in the new year.

Pic shows two blocks of high rise flats in Whitevale St, Glasgow which are due for demolition.

The 298ft high rise Whitevale and Bluevale flats in Dennistoun will be taken down, piece by piece, as part of a 6m renovation of the city's East End housing stock.

The towers, which dominated the city skyscape for more than four decades, have been standing empty since last year.

The 31 storey blocks will be taken down by specialist staff on a platform placed on top of the buildings.

The 'TopDownWay' demolition technology - which has been used before in Italy and France - was chosen due to the close proximity of the neighbouring block and nearby roads, and the unique core structure of the blocks.

Work will start on 109 Bluevale Street next month, with contractor Safedem lifting the platform onto its roof. It is expected to be completed by summer 2015.

It will be followed by the deconstruction of 51 Whitevale Street soon after with the high rise razed to the ground 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."

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Demolition work to begin on Glasgow's Gallowgate towers