BACKING FOR HIGH-RISE TOWER DEMOLITION BID

HOUSING chiefs have confirmed plans to demolish high rise flats in the Gorbals and rehouse tenants. After consulting with 239 households in 305 and 341 Caledonia Road, around 95 percent of tenants, the New Gorbals Housing Association is pressing on with its plans to tear down the towers and rehouse residents, after an issue with the building’s cladding came to light. We told in November 2020, how Gorbals residents were shocked to hear that their homes could be demolished if most tenants accepted proposals to be rehoused.

Most expressed sadness that their homes would disappear but accepted the necessity of demolition from a safety perspective.

Two residents interviewed demanded their close ties be respected by the housing association and said they would only accept a new home if they continued to be next-door neighbours.

Fraser Stewart, the head of the housing association, said at the time that residents’ wishes in the rehousing process would be respected.

In a letter delivered to Caledonia Road tenants on Monday, the housing association said that 85.5% of all residents were in favour of being rehoused but that 13 households had not yet been consulted.

Chairwoman of the New Gorbals Housing Association, Linda Malone, said that housing options for the most vulnerable residents, including elderly people and families in “extremely” overcrowded homes had already been identified.

She continued: “We are delighted our tenants of the high-rise blocks at 305 and 341 Caledonia Road have overwhelmingly expressed their preference for rehousing instead of the blocks being reclad.

“This will be the quickest and safest solution, and we believe that it is the best option for our tenants and the regeneration of the Gorbals.

“We know that many tenants will be worried about the rehousing process but I can assure them that we will do everything we can to meet their needs.

“We have already identified what we hope will prove to be popular solutions for our most vulnerable and elderly residents, and also those families that are extremely overcrowded.

“I would like to thank all of the tenants for their co-operation and patience, and I would like to assure them we will make sure that the blocks are kept safe, secure and well maintained during the rehousing process.”