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james73

IT'S a regular sight in Las Vegas - but it will be a first for Glasgow, and Scotland,
when two multi-storeys are demolished in the middle of the night.

Glasgow Housing Association, which manages the blocks in Sighthill, claims
the unusual demolition time is down to the fact there is a main railway line
just a few metres away.

Because of this, explosive experts will have to raze the building when the
line is least busy - in the wee small hours.

But there is one possible benefit to the time - demolition by floodlight
should make the event spectacular for those who stay up to watch.

Cities such as entertainment capital Las Vegas commonly do showcase
blow downs in the dark.

It will take just a few seconds to reduce the blocks, 2-4 Fountainwell Place
and 16-18 Fountainwell Place, to tonnes of rubble.

Nearby residents will be evacuated overnight for safety reasons.

The main Glasgow to Edinburgh line runs through Sighthill, in the north of
the city and both GHA and Network Rail say they were keen to avoid any
disruption.

Passengers should not be affected by the demolition, due to take place
during the summer.

Jim Sneddon, GHA's executive director of regeneration, said: "This is a
complex and challenging demolition.

"However, a lot of preparation has been undertaken and we are very
grateful for the co- operation shown by our partners, including Network
Rail.

"The demolition will take place in the early hours to ensure services in and
out of Queen Street aren't disrupted."

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "We are confident all appropriate
safety measures are in place to ensure that all trains can run safely on the
line."

The flats, which have been standing for more than 40 years, are being
brought down as part of GHA's ambitious regeneration plan.

Three other blocks are also due to be demolished, while five in neighbouring
Pinkston Drive are also expected to be razed. If given the go-ahead, a
masterplan will see the area transformed with 2000 new homes, shops and
businesses over the next decade.

Residents were moved out of the multi-storeys months ago, with some
offered GHA homes, and others moving to new homes run by other
housing associations.

Tower blocks at Shawbridge Street in Pollokshaws will come down a week
after the Fountainwell high-rises.

Three weeks ago, two Gorbals tower blocks, in Stirlingfauld Place, were
also demolished to make way for regeneration.

James H
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Happiness ain't at the end of the road - Happiness *IS* the road...

Stuball · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 5:43 pm Post subject:

I like how they've failed to mention a date
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Now coming at you with 95% more significance, 1% less salt and virtually fat free!

FLICKR GALLERY

james73 · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 5:51 pm Post subject:

Stuball · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 9:19 pm Post subject:

So everyone will sh!t themselves with a huge explosion
_________________
Now coming at you with 95% more significance, 1% less salt and virtually fat free!

FLICKR GALLERY

james73 · Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 1:01 pm Post subject:

I've heard these are to come down on Sunday 13th July. Anyone heard
summat different?

James H
_________________
Happiness ain't at the end of the road - Happiness *IS* the road...

Stuball · Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 12:22 am Post subject:

Dunno.... but are any of us going to brave sighthill on a saturday night?
_________________
Now coming at you with 95% more significance, 1% less salt and virtually fat free!

FLICKR GALLERY

james73 · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 10:22 pm Post subject:

Ok, this is this weekend. Anyone up for a bit of drinking and towerblock-demolition
watching? I have a few spots in mind, though it's likely to be at 2am...

James H
_________________
Happiness ain't at the end of the road - Happiness *IS* the road...

AlanM · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 10:42 pm Post subject:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/glasgowmeetups/discuss/72157605981050937/
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Gies a gonk ya dobber!!

Fjord · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 11:21 pm Post subject:

Count me in

wee minx · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 11:27 pm Post subject:

I'd love to but it's too difficult for me to get to

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Am a Wee Glasgow Bissom ye know! :)

Look wit the wind blew in! :P