Demolition of Port Glasgow estate dubbed 'Scotland's Chernobyl' to begin

Demolition work at a housing estate dubbed ‘Scotland’s Chernobyl’ is set to begin after buildings were deemed “dangerous” by Inverclyde Council.

Contractors are on site at Clune Park in Port Glasgow to prepare for the demolition of the former school and church buildings within the estate over the next couple of weeks followed by the demolition of an initial 138 properties across 15 tenement blocks thereafter.

The first phase will see 430 residential properties across 45 tenement blocks razed to the ground. The flats opposite the former church building will be destroyed first.

Inverclyde Council say the work is being carried out in the interests of safety after dangerous buildings notices were served following extensive investigations by council building standards officers and external surveyors.

Members of the public have been urged to stay away from the largely abandoned area which has been targeted by deliberate fires and anti-social behaviour in recent times.

The first flats to be demolished are across from the derelict church. Inverclyde Council

A new Clune Park masterplan was approved by the council in November 2023 with the ultimate aim of demolishing the estate and building up to 165 new, affordable homes for social rent.

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “It’s important to remember that the former school and church buildings and the residential properties are being demolished in the interests of safety based on professional advice following extensive investigations.

“The council has a duty to ensure public safety across Inverclyde and take action where necessary to protect the public from dangerous buildings and that’s the position we find ourselves in with Clune Park.

“With the demolition due to commence, this is an historic moment and progress towards the ultimate goal of regenerating this prominent area of Port Glasgow.

“There is still a long way to go to realise our ambition of redeveloping Clune Park, but this is a significant step in the right direction and one I’m sure the people of Port Glasgow and wider Inverclyde will welcome.”