SIGNIFICANT milestones have been reached on North Lanarkshire Council’s plan to replace all of the regions 48 high-rise towers over a 25-year period with modern, energy-efficient homes.
More than 1,550 properties within phase one of the programme have now been vacated, and several high and low-rise blocks having been already demolished – with work progressing well at key sites including Dunbeth Court in Coatbridge and the site of the former Coursington, Allen, and Draffen towers in Motherwell.
Jackson Court in Coatbridge has now been demolished, with foundation works nearing completion ahead of the site being handed over for future redevelopment. In Wishaw, demolition work at Allershaw Tower is continuing, with the site expected to be cleared later this year.
Alongside demolition works, major investment is also being made in existing towers through sprinkler installations, fire safety upgrades, and lift replacements. To date, 13 towers have had sprinkler systems retrofitted, with plans in place for further installations over the next five years.
Councillor Michael McPake, North Lanarkshire Council convener of housing, said, “Our programme is creating opportunities for long-term regeneration, freeing up land for future housing developments and helping reshape communities for generations to come.
“It’s about more than demolishing buildings. We’re creating better neighbourhoods, improving safety, supporting regeneration and making sure our housing stock is fit for the future. Residents are already seeing the difference in areas where new homes have been built, and there’s much more still to come.”
