One of Motherwell's best-known landmarks is due to disappear from the skyline.

The 17-storey Glencairn Tower block is to be demolished later this year to make way for new low-rise affordable homes.

The contract for demolition has been awarded by North Lanarkshire Council to Technical Demolition Services Ltd (TDS). The contractor is now on site and internal fixtures and fittings are being removed in advance of the demolition.

Completed in 1964, Glencairn Tower, the largest of our 49 multi-storey blocks is to be demolished this autumn.

The tower site will be cleared by the start of 2012, making way for the development of new affordable housing as part of our £75m 'Building for the Future' programme. We're building 500 new affordable homes for rent across the area.

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Mary Castles, Executive Director of Housing and Social Work Services said: "Planning for the demolition is now underway and I know there will be interest and concerns from nearby residents. We'll be working closely with the contractors and other key agencies to provide information to local residents and businesses as the demolition process is progressed."

TDS is currently in the process of finalising their site setup and will shortly commence liaison with the community regarding the project. Planning and Co-ordinating meetings are taking place, involving representatives from the client, our housing and roads services, the contractor, fire and rescue, building control and the police. The meetings are held solely to plan and co-ordinate all the necessary actions for a safe and successful outcome to the project.

Approval was given for the demolition of Glencairn Tower by Housing and Social Work Services Committee on 19 August 2009. Glencairn Tower required more than £10 million of investment within five years and it was unlikely that this investment would increase demand for people to live here. It was identified that demolition was more cost effective and that the site would be used to build new low-rise accommodation.

The cost of the contract is £700,000 which represents a saving of £400,000 on initial budgeted costs. This money was saved through the recycling of 90% plus of the materials arising from the demolition, which the contractor will sell on.

(GK)