Motherwell tower blocks to be demolished in controlled explosion

Three tower blocks are to be demolished later in a move that significantly changes North Lanarkshire’s skyline.

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

An exclusion zone covering 271 homes and 10 businesses will be in place around the site throughout the day, and all residents within the area must leave for their own safety.

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

The council previously said the blowdown procedure – a technique previously used on Glasgow’s famed Red Road flats – had been “carefully selected” from a number of options.

A local drop-in respite facility will be available at Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral/Firpark Primary School Campus on Milton Street until about 17:00 for residents who wish to use it.

Draffen Tower was completed in 1969, while the Allan and Coursington Towers were finished a year later in 1970.

Each one stands about 58m (190ft) tall and contained 117 flats, all of which are now abandoned.

The demolition forms part of a 25-year plan by North Lanarkshire Council to knock down all 48 high-rise blocks across the local authority area.

The local authority intends to build about 5,000 new homes to replace the tower blocks.

Housing convener Michael McPake previousy said: “This is a significant milestone in our commitment to building a better future for Motherwell.

“We will continue to work closely with the community to ensure a safe and smooth process.”