Britain's tallest mobile ultra-high reach machine will arrive in Glasgow ahead of the demolition of flats in Broomloan Court.

The demolition machine, which stands 65 metres tall (213 feet) and weighs more than 200 tonnes, is being transported by three low-loaders from Birmingham to the Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) flats.

At its highest point, the machine will stretch taller than 14 double-decker buses placed on top of each other.

A team of specialist workers will travel with the machinery to the GHA flats in Ibrox. The three parts to the machine will then be assembled on site with work scheduled to start soon after.

Three blocks of flats at 5, 17 and 29 Broomloan Court have been earmarked for demolition following an extensive consultation with the local community through Clydeview Housing Partnership Local Housing Organisation (LHO), which manages homes in the area on behalf of GHA.

In total, 385 flats will be reduced in height during the demolition which is expected to last for around nine weeks. Each block is 21 storeys high and contains 95 flats comprising 38 three-bedroom, 38 two-bedroom and 19 one-bedroom homes.

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A decision was taken by GHA in February 2006 to demolish and clear the three blocks following a decline in demand and popularity of the blocks and also high investment and running costs. No final decision has been reached on the future use of the site.

Despite the site being bordered by a rail line, the M8 motorway and local roads, there are no plans for road closures or diversions, minimising disruption to local residents, businesses and commuters.

Karen Thomas, the community housing manager of Clydeview Housing Partnership LHO, said: "The demolition of the multi-storey blocks marks another step forward in the ongoing regeneration of the East Govan and Ibrox areas.

"The area has already benefitted from the demolition of more than 400 tenements with 600 tenants being rehoused - the vast majority to either improved GHA homes or new-builds."

Residents have been kept informed of developments through public meetings and newsletters. The tenants who lived in the multi-storeys have been rehoused within Clydeview LHO and neighbouring Mosspark LHO.

Jim Sneddon, GHA's Executive Director of Regeneration said: "The demolition of the blocks is a further sign of GHA’s commitment to playing a major part in changing the face of Glasgow and delivering social housing which is fit for the 21st century."

GHA has appointed Coleman & Co as contractors for the demolition. GHA has worked with Coleman & Co on a number of other demolitions in recent years including the high-rise flats at Shawbridge Street in Pollokshields.

Paul Mayo, Project Manager of Coleman & Company, said: "The key objective for this project is to ensure the demolition takes place as safely as possible. The success of projects like this depends on meticulous planning and team work.

"The co-operation within the project team, consisting of Glasgow Housing Association, Clydeview Housing Partnership LHO and the local community, has been excellent."

(GK/BMcC)