River Clyde Homes has successfully demolished the last standing multi-storey block in the Belville area of the east end of Greenock by controlled explosion.

Hawick Court, which sat on at the top of a prominent hillside site, was built in the late 1960s as part of a high-density housing development of seven high-rise blocks and other property types in the Belville Street area of the town.

The other six blocks have been demolished in recent years and Hawick Court, which comprised 76 housing units, was blown down in the early hours of Sunday 15 November. Some 40kg of explosive were used in the controlled explosion. Preparatory works by contractor SafeDem had been on-going for some months. This included removal of all timber, internal fittings and fixtures along with cutting out and drilling for the blowdown. Some 900 -1000 drill holes were required to allow for the charging of the structure.

117 adjacent households, as well as some commercial properties, were evacuated as part of this major undertaking. Door-to-door visits to affected households took place to ascertain residents’ evacuation requirements.

Once cleared, the site will be landscaped and used as a car park for nearby properties.