The high rise flats at Norfolk Court in Laurieston were demolished yesterday to make way for a development of 201 homes by New Gorbals Housing Association.

The demolition is the next step in the ongoing regeneration of the Laurieston area, phase 1 of which already complete and can be seen in the new multi award winning mixed tenure housing development neighbouring the demolition site.

The building, owned by New Gorbals Housing Association, is the last of 10 tower blocks to be blown down in the Gorbals since 1993.

New Gorbals Housing Association chairperson, Raymond Shannon, said: “We are looking forward to the last of the demolitions in the Gorbals to make way for further phases of regeneration in Laurieston.

“Norfolk Court has been home to thousands of local residents since 1976 and is remembered fondly by many of those who lived there. Every tenant affected by demolition in Gorbals since 2002 has been rehoused here - if that is what they wished - and over 80% have chosen to remain in the Gorbals. It is a credit to the new Laurieston development that the many who have moved there from Norfolk Court are happy in their new homes.”

The tower block was situated at 5 and 17 Norfolk Court, standing at 24 storeys tall and housing 276 flats. The demolition was carried out by Dem-Master Demolition, after several months of detailed planning with New Gorbals Housing Association, explosives specialist Safedem Ltd, Police Scotland, Glasgow City Council, regeneration specialist Urban Union, the Highways Agency, Network Rail, SPT, and engagement with the local community.

Before the building came down, local residents who moved from the high rise into the new Laurieston developments shared their thoughts.

The Gallagher family, who lived in Norfolk Court for 15 years, have fond memories of living in the block: “We loved Norfolk Court because we were up high. We miss the view of Glasgow Green.”

Although there are things that they miss about living there, they agreed that it was time for a move.

The family added: “The buildings were old, and had a lot of problems. It was for the best that they come down.”

Margaret and George Campbell were delighted with their move. Margaret had lived in Norfolk Court since 1976, but said: “I’m not looking back. I loved staying in the multi, but that’s the past. We love it here, it’s a magnificent flat.”