Date set for controlled explosion of three empty tower blocks in Motherwell

A date has been set for the controlled explosion of three empty tower blocks in North Lanarkshire.

The 20-storey Allan, Coursington and Draffen Towers in Motherwell will be destroyed this December in a single “blowdown event” to prepare the site for future development.

The blocks will be brought down on December 7 with temporary footpath and road closures in place along the site’s boundary from 8.30am to 4pm.

Covering 313 homes and 11 businesses, the closures are only expected to last for a few hours until the demolition is complete.

The demolition was delayed due to a technical issue. North Lanarkshire Council via Supplied

Plans to demolish the towers were originally scheduled for the spring of 2022, but were delayed due to a technical issue.

The council said that a controlled explosion is the “safest and most effective” method for demolishing the blocks.

It will involve a single blowdown event for all three to minimise disruption to the local community.

Stephen Llewellyn, chief housing officer for North Lanarkshire Council, called the process the “beginning of a new chapter”.

He said: “We’re pleased to now have a confirmed date for this important milestone in Motherwell.

The Allan, Coursington, and Draffen Towers in Motherwell will be destroyed. North Lanarkshire Council via Supplied

“This has been a complex process, and I’d like to thank residents and businesses nearby for their patience and understanding. Safety is our absolute priority, and every step has been carefully planned with expert demolition engineers to make sure the blowdown is carried out safely and with as little disruption as possible.

“This will be the beginning of a new chapter for the site, and we’ll continue to work closely with the local community as the area is cleared and prepared for future development.”

Further updates will be provided to residents in the local area on the council website and in newsletters as the demolition date approaches.

Temporary footpath and road closures will be in place on the day. North Lanarkshire Council via Supplied

Built in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the three 20-storey blocks have stood as a landmark between Dalziel Street and Wilson Street for more than 50 years.

Together, they once provided 351 homes but are now empty and scheduled for removal as part of the council’s tower re-provisioning programme.

North Lanarkshire Council has a 25-year plan to knock down all 48 high-rise blocks across the local authority area.