Motherwell landmark Glencairn Tower demolished after 50 years

Nov 24 2011 by Leona Greenan, Hamilton Advertiser

THOUSANDS of people gathered in Motherwell on Sunday to watch the explosive demolition of the town’s Glencairn Tower.

Following months of meticulous planning, one of Motherwell’s best-known landmarks came down in a puff of grey smoke shortly after noon.

The blow-down of the 17-storey tower was carried out by Technical Demolition Services (TDS), with support from Precision Demolition Company, and 100-kilos of explosives.

One onlooker told the Advertiser this week: “I decided to go and watch the explosion with my daughter. We were standing at the roundabout close to the bingo hall, it was really busy there. Then all of a sudden there was this huge bang, explosion. The building literally took seconds to fall down. There was nothing but a huge cloud of grey dust at the end of it. I couldn't believe the noise and how quickly it fell down. You could feel the vibration at your feet. It was really something to see.”

Following Sunday’s successful demolition, a number of tasks were carried out including property inspections and the exclusion zone being lifted later that afternoon to allow people to return to their homes.

The only damage contractors identified was a cracked window unit.

The council also mobilised the street cleaning service while Strathclyde Fire and Rescue were on hand with pumps to hose down any buildings affected by dust.

The clean-up of the site has begun and is expected to continue into the New Year.

Councillor Barry McCulloch, convener of housing and social work services, said: “Our aim was to ensure the tower was demolished safely and with minimum disruption to local residents and businesses during this process. Sunday’s successful demolition achieved that.

“Many council services were involved in ensuring today's demolition was a success. I'd also like to mention the support from Strathclyde Police, Lanarkshire Housing Association, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and the other partners who had a role in the planning stages for the blow-down.”

The vacant site will be used for new-build homes to house the next generation of tenants.

Former tenant Colin Campbell added: “It was a nostalgic and emotional day for myself and probably for a number of local people. Having lived in and grown up in the tower, I have many fond memories of the building – particularly as my dad was one of the caretakers there.

“It was spectacular to see and I'm sure the new houses planned for the tower site will make a positive difference to the area.”

Craig Wilson, commercial director with contractor Technical Demolition Services, said: “With Glencairn having a steel structure, which is unusual for a tower block, we were presented with a number of challenges. For example, 64 charges were set off due to its structure. I believe it is the first steel structured building to be demolished not only in the UK but possibly the world.

“Undertaking a blow-down is a huge task and its success is all in the planning and co-operation of the contractor and the client.

“This particular demolition is an example of excellent planning and co-ordination of services.”

Built in 1964, Glencairn Tower was the largest of North Lanarkshire Council’s 49 multi-storey blocks. The 17-storey building contained 161 flats, six bin stores, two lifts and an underground covered garage for 76 vehicles.