Tower plans are moving forward

Demolition project could take 20 years

The first stage of consultation is now beginning on the council’s plans for the demolition of its 48 residential tower blocks over the next 20 years.

These plans form part of the strategy to provide better homes, regenerate town centres and create jobs, while investing around half-abillion pounds across North Lanarkshire.

Tenants living in the properties initially identified in the first phase are being contacted to discuss long-term plans for their properties.

These include the Coursington towers (Allan/ Coursington/draffen) in Motherwell, which have 351 homes, as well as blocks in Airdrie, Wishaw.

And council chiefs say they want to gather a clear understanding of people’s needs for future housing in their towns and communities, and all individual views of tenants will be fully considered.

Councillor Allan Graham, convener of Enterprise and Housing Committee said: “We’re now taking forward our long-term, 20-year plan, for the council’s towers.

“These towers have been selected after analysing data, such as demand for the properties and turnover. The flats have higher turnover as some people moving in see them as temporary accommodation until they find a more suitable long term home. That’s what we’re aiming to do, provide people with modern homes they want to Coatbridge and live in for the future.

“Consultation will take various forms including letters, face-to-face discussions, focus groups and open days. We want to give our tenants as many opportunities as possible to provide us with their views. We’re also writing to all North Lanarkshire tenants living in towers and flats to keep them up-to-date with progress.

“Improving the lives of our tenants and regenerating our local communities and town centres are the drivers behind our long term ambition.”

The council say the tower strategy is in place to effectively manage and maintain flats, ensuring their security and safety. In the meantime, the council will continue to carry out the investment necessary so towers remain safe, secure and attractive places to live.

Their programme of inspection and repairs is currently being progressed to take forward all identified areas reflecting on the age, construction and condition of the towers. Indeed, they have also had plans approved to install sprinkler systems in all towers to further enhance safety.

Most towers in North Lanarkshire were constructed between 1965 and 1973 and would require being retro-fitted with sprinkler systems in blocks where it is identified as being feasible and practical to do so.

The estimated cost for the project is £10m.

A significant proportion of the total housing stock (11 per cent) is within multi-storey blocks.

There are just over 4000 properties within 48 multistoreys, with 57 per cent of the tower stock in Motherwell.