GREENOCK-based Caskie Demolition is to begin work to demolish parts of Clune Park estate in Port Glasgow.
The Inverclyde Council project will see a total demolition of around 430 properties across 53 tenement blocks, with phase one involving the demolition of the estate’s former school and church. This will then be followed by the demolition of 138 properties across 15 tenement blocks, with the work expected to last around six months.
The local authority explained that the works are being carried out in the interests of safety after dangerous buildings notices were served following extensive investigations. Further to this, many of the estate’s buildings have been ‘badly affected’ by deliberate fires and anti-social behaviour, which the council said has contributed to the estate’s deterioration.
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.
The masterplan is subject to a variety of factors, including securing ownership of the remainder of the estate, obtaining planning permission, and attracting the necessary external funding to build new homes.
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.”
