​GHA says remaining buildings will be gone by the end of the year

Glasgow’s iconic Red Road flats are to be brought down later this year in a one-off demolition.

The city’s skyline will change forever when the six remaining blocks are demolished in a controlled explosive “blowdown”, Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) said.

A decision to bring all six blocks down in a single demolition was taken following feedback from local residents, according to the social landlord.

Two of the original eight multi-storey blocks were previously brought down – one earlier this year and one in 2013.

The development was once home to 5,000 people and were built to tackle Glasgow’s post-war housing crisis between 1964 and 1969.

David Fletcher, director of regeneration for GHA, said no firm date had been set but the blocks would be gone later this year.

“We’re working very closely with our contractor and partners on plans to bring down all six remaining blocks in a single demolition,” he said.

We’re working very closely with our contractor and partners on plans to bring down all six remaining blocks in a single demolition

"We'll continue to work with members of the local community about arrangements for the day.

“We’d like to thank all of the residents again for their patience and understanding during this important part of the community regeneration project.”

Glasgow City Council, alongside GHA, came in for criticism last year when they announced plans to demolish the buildings as part of the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.

Critics said the plan was hugely insensitive and, after a huge public outcry, scrapped the idea.

The last Red Road flat residents, housed there by an asylum-seeker-housing provider, moved out in February this year.