BRING THE HOUSE DOWN
£450 million plan to flatten every high-rise flat in North Lanarkshire
Every tower block in Wishaw and Motherwell is set to be demolished.
The council plans, costing almost half a billion pounds, would see 48 tower blocks in North Lanarkshire being reduced to rubble over the next two decades.
Council leader Jim Logue said: “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 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.
“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 town centre properties for those who it will suit.”
The huge investment will mean that residents in Gowkthrapple, Muirhouse and Motherwell could be forced to move over the next few years.
Currently there are around 2500 households living in towers across Wishaw and Motherwell.
Wishaw SNP councillor Jim Hume admits he is shocked at the move by the council.
He said: “It’s a surprise for me. I believe tower blocks are suitable for some people.
“They certainly were for me when I got married.
“I think some people will be sad to see them go.
“It will be difficult to justify this unless there are structural reasons for making this decision.”
Earlier this year the Wishaw Press reported that no sprinkler systems which could be used to put out fires were fitted in any tower block in Motherwell or Wishaw.
The first part of the strategy took shape last week when the council unanimously approved the council’s 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.
The council will consult its 4000 tower households on the plans in February next year to get a clear understanding of their needs and desires for future housing.
Jim Leonard, 67, moved out of a tower in Motherwell last year into a semidetached bungalow in Cambusnethan built in 2011.
He said: “I lived in Lodge Tower in Motherwell for around 20 years and I really did enjoy my time there.
“I have fond memories of moving in, and of the closeness of the tower community at that time.
“In fact, I still meet up regularly with some friends from the tower, one of whom is one of the three remaining original tenants from 1967.
“It was a big move for me to leave the security of a tower and the spectacular views I enjoyed from my 14th floor flat.
“You could say it’s the end of an era but in fact it’s been the beginning of a whole new exciting chapter. Having lived in my new semidetached bungalow for over a year now I’d never go back.”