Wyndford tower blocks to be brought down by controlled explosion

Three high-rise tower blocks are to be blown up this weekend ahead of new homes being built on the site.

Explosives will bring down the towers at 120, 151, 171, and 191 Wyndford Road in the Maryhill area around 11am on Sunday.

Residents from nearby properties will be evacuated while an exclusion zone is set up in the area.

All tenants left the Wheatly Homes properties last year in preparation for the demolition.

The housing association had faced opposition from a small number of residents who believed the buildings should be retained and restored.

Campaigners launched a judicial challenge against Glasgow City Council over its decision to give permission for the demolition without an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

However, a Court of Session judge ruled that the assessment was not required.

Nearly 400 new homes will be built in place of the towers, 85% of which will be social housing and 15% for mid-market rent.

The new homes will include a mix of one/two/three/four-bedroom houses and flats and will create a minimum of 900 bed spaces.

Locals have been warned of the possibility of dust and debris in the area.

A spokesperson for Wheatley Homes previously told STV News: “The tenant-led Wyndford Futures Focus Group is working with architects to shape the master plan for the community.

“The £100 million regeneration of Wyndford will see nearly 400 new, energy-efficient larger homes built – 85 per cent of which will be for social rent – which will transform the neighbourhood not only for the people who live there today, but for families and generations to come.”

Other plans include a newly built community centre owned and managed by the council, improved walkways and cycle paths, a children’s play park, 500 new bike racks and car parking spaces.

The new homes will have 900 bedrooms and new CCTV and controlled-entry systems to reduce anti-social behaviour.