Kincardine Flats have been demolished by the controlled use of explosives to make way for redevelopment.

The buildings at Sandeman and Kincairne Courts, which were built in the late 1960s, were brought down last week.

Just under 400 people were evacuated from their homes in the surrounding area in order to carry out the demolition. Kincardine Community Centre was used as a rest centre for residents throughout the operation.

William Sinclair, Managing Director of Safedem said: “We used just under 50 kilos of explosives to bring down these buildings and we are delighted with the result. The detailed planning that has gone into this project has resulted in an exceptionally smooth operation, and ultimately a safe and successful operation.

"I must pass on my thanks to all of the teams who have put so much effort into making this project such a success, particularly Fife Council, and Fife Constabulary. Of course none of this could have happened without the co-operation of the nearby Kincardine residents. They have been very patient and supportive for the duration of our time here and extremely cooperative with the evacuation arrangements.”

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Councillor Brian Goodall, Chair of the Housing & Communities Committee added: “I was pleased to view the demolition of these flats, knowing that they're making way for a brand new development of fit for purpose housing, many of which will be for former residents of these flats. I look forward to seeing Kingdom Housing Association's work taking shape on site.”

In order to reduce demolition and construction traffic, much of the material from the demolition will be crushed on site and used in the development of the new houses.

The new housing will meet the needs of the tenants who previously lived in the high flats and the design proposals have been fully developed in consultation with the tenants and the local community.

Planning consent has been approved for 65 new affordable houses and the mix includes housing designed to full wheelchair and amenity standards, along with a full range of family houses.

The contract for the new housing has been awarded to Campion homes, who have been fully involved in the development of the design through the partnering process adopted for the redevelopment. The total cost of the affordable housing will be around £6m, with a large proportion of the funding being provided by the Scottish government.

(GK/KMcA)