Two MPs donned hard hats to see for themselves how a pair of Glasgow tower blocks are coming down as part of regeneration plans for the area.

Alison Thewliss, MP for Glasgow Central and Natalie McGarry, MP for Glasgow East joined GHA chair Gordon Sloan to get a bird’s eye view of how the Bluevale and Whitevale tower blocks at Gallowgate in Glasgow’s East End are being deconstructed piece by piece.

The demolition, the next phase of the area’s regeneration, is being carried out using the ‘TopDownWay’ demolition technology, previously used in France. A gantry system is used to create a safe working area to bring the building down floor by floor, helping minimise dust, rubble and inconvenience to the community.

Alison Thewliss MP said: “I was hugely impressed by the innovative way that the Bluevale and Whitevale blocks are being demolished, with minimal dust and disruption to local residents. Having been involved at the start of the demolition discussions as a local Councillor, I’m glad to get the opportunity to see the process first hand. The blocks were cold and inefficient, so I look forward to seeing them replaced with new homes in the years ahead.”

GHA chair Gordon Sloan said: “We’re working with our partners in Transforming Communities:Glasgow on plans for the site and I look forward to seeing how the area is transformed once the whole project is complete.”

The demolition of the first block is almost complete and work is progressing quickly on demolishing the second block. Work is expected to be complete by the end of 2015, with the site cleared by spring 2016.

The first phase of new build is already finished, with 62 new GHA homes built just across the road. Some former tenants from Bluevale and Whitevale have already moved into the brand new homes.

Gallowgate is one of the areas identified as a priority for regeneration by Transforming Communities:Glasgow (TC:G), a partnership between GHA, Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government. GHA is currently in discussions with strategic partners and the community to agree future plans for the area.

@GlasgowHousing