In a significant transformation of Glasgow's Maryhill area, the demolition of three high-rise tower blocks at 151, 171, and 191 Wyndford Road is set to take place this Sunday, March 23, 2025, around 11:00 AM. The Controlled demolition, conducted by demolition firm Safedem, aims to pave the way for nearly 400 new homes as part of a larger £100 million regeneration project.
The Wyndford towers, notorious for their poor living conditions and outdated designs, will be replaced with a mix of 85% social housing and 15% mid-market rental units. Wheatley Homes Glasgow, the housing association behind the project, has been planning this redevelopment to address the city's pressing housing needs.
As part of the demolition preparations, an exclusion zone has been established, commencing at 8 AM on Sunday morning. Residents living in the vicinity will be evacuated to ensure their safety during the controlled explosions. In a planned arrangement, those affected will have access to an evacuation center located at a nearby secondary school, where breakfast, lunch, and £100 Tesco vouchers will be provided as compensation for the disruption.
While many in the community welcome the new developments, concerns remain among some residents who have campaigned against the demolition, arguing for a retrofit of the existing structures. Local resident Davie Baird, 70, expressed his skepticism regarding the demolition's safety measures, stating, "They couldn’t guarantee that all the asbestos and other hazardous materials had been removed." Such apprehensions have not gone unnoticed, adding a layer of complexity to the project.
Each of the three high-rise towers contains 600 flats that are being demolished. The new homes will create a minimum of 900 bed spaces, accommodating many families in need of stable housing. Wheatley Homes emphasized that this project aims not only to address current housing shortages but also to forge a sustainable community for future generations. The spokesperson for Wheatley stated, "The £100 million regeneration of Wyndford will see nearly 400 new, energy-efficient larger homes built – 85 percent 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."
Additional features planned in the redevelopment include a new community hub that will house a hall, café, and meeting rooms equipped with computer access to foster community engagement and connectivity. Improved walkways and cycle paths are also part of the plan to promote healthier lifestyles among residents.
The demolition is expected to create waves throughout the neighborhood, as locals will face both physical displacement and emotional upheaval. Residents are advised to keep their windows shut and keep pets indoors to mitigate any potential health risks from dust or debris during the demolition. After the blasts, clean-up crews will engage in street sweeping and jet washing to ensure the area is returned to a livable state as soon as possible.
Despite the impending changes, not all residents support the process. Some remained firmly opposed, expressing distress over their displacement and the compensation provided, which has been characterized by some as insufficient in covering their expenses during this transitional period. While the community awaits the demolition of the towers, they also anticipate the potential benefits that the new homes and facilities might bring.
Overall, the Wyndford regeneration initiative marks a substantial step towards improving the housing situation in Glasgow, while underscoring the challenges of balancing community opinion with necessary urban development. As the scheduled demolitions approach, both hope and apprehension linger in the air, hinting at complex emotions surrounding a transformative chapter for Maryhill residents.
