Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
HIGH RISE AND FALL
Landmark tower blocks set for demolition in half a billion housing regeneration plan
Thousands of residents face being uprooted from their homes – after North Lanarkshire Council unveiled shock plans to demolish every tower block in Airdrie and Coatbridge.
The Monklands skyline could have a very different look within the next two decades if the proposals – part of the local authority’s strategy to provide “better homes, regenerate town centres and create jobs” – are given the green light.
The council will consult with residents of 4000 tower households – more than 1600 of which are in Monklands – on the plans in February to get “a very clear understanding of their needs and desires for future housing”.
In total, 17 tower blocks in Monklands will be demolished, along with another 31 similar facilities across North Lanarkshire.
Cheviot, Merrick, Milton and Pentland courts in Airdrie and Coatbridge’s Blairgrove, Burnside, Calder, Coltswood, Dunbeth, Glen, High Coats, Jackson, Merryston, Millbrae, Redbridge, Whifflet and Witchwood courts have been earmarked for destruction.
Residents of the tower blocks now face an anxious wait over the festive period to discover where they could be spending their Christmases in the future.
Around half a billion pounds will be invested in the region if the proposals go ahead and council leader Jim Logue revealed: “These are hugely ambitious plans.
“North Lanarkshire is Scotland’s biggest council landlord and we are in the midst of the biggest council housebuilding programme in a generation in Scotland.
“But we shouldn’t rest on our laurels. Towers were once the future of housing and we have invested steadily over the years in them.
“But there is no doubt that we are very constrained in improving them by the construction; some of our towers were built 55 years ago.
“The quality of homes we are now able to build is exceptional, with great access, adaptability and energy efficiency.”
This time last year, the Advertiser ran our “Empty 80” investigation feature which revealed scores of empty shops in Airdrie and Coatbridge town centres in the run-up to Christmas and asked
Towers were once future of housing. . . we are very constrained in improving them
those in power if “anything was being done to stop the rot?”
Councillor Logue insists the plans to pull down Monklands’ tower blocks will help the council transform both town centres and get more residents living there in “modern, fit-for-purpose housing”.
He said: “The past few decades have also seen a move away from people living in and near our town centres.
“It’s essential that we do something to regenerate these towns, which have been hit by the rise of internet shopping and large out-of-town retail centres.
“One of the best ways to do that is to have people again living in our town centres in modern, fit- for-purpose housing with great amenities and good transport links.
“While not everyone who currently lives in a tower will wish to live in town centres, we aim to create great towncentre properties for those whom it will suit.”
The first part of the proposed strategy took shape last week when the council unanimously approved its housing revenue budget.
The rent proposals approved will allow the council to begin the capital planning to deliver the massive programme.
Rent increases will be capped at five per cent for the next four years, which the local authority says will keep North Lanarkshire’s rent levels “among the lowest in Scotland”.
Councillor Allan Graham, the council’s convener of enterprise and housing, said: “I understand that some residents of our towers will be reluctant about these plans and enjoy living in their current homes.
“That’s why it’s important we really listen to them and their views as part of a consultation exercise before making final decisions.
“It’s hard to understate the significance of these proposals.
“They will create thousands of jobs over a sustained period and provide a real boost to tenants and our local economy.
“We want to see real progress in tackling the waiting list for council houses, and our commitment to the biggest housebuilding programme in a generation in Scotland is testament to our ambition for the people of North Lanarkshire.
“We are also continuing to invest in our existing housing stock with a comprehensive kitchen and bathroom replacement programme.”