A multi-storey block in the North of Glasgow was demolished early on Sunday morning by a controlled explosion.

It took 55 kg of explosives and just five seconds to reduce the 17-storey GHA high-rise to 12,000 tonnes of rubble.

The early morning timing of the demolition at 15 Coll Place, Germiston, ensured disruption to residents was kept to a minimum. It also reduced the time the nearby railway line was closed.

The demolition was carried out under strictly controlled conditions which included evacuating 250 local residents who lived within the exclusion zone.

GHA’s Executive Director of Development and Regeneration Alex McGuire said: “The demolition of the last of the multi storeys at Coll Place is part of our wider plans, with our partners, to regenerate communities across the city.

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“We’d like to thank nearby residents for their patience and understanding while the demolition was carried out.”

Demolition contractors Safedem offered residents the choice of being put up in a hotel or to stay with family and friends.

The GHA flats were part of the Glasgow skyline since 1967. They were part of three tower blocks in Germiston. One block at 9 Coll Place was demolished in 1992 and the other block at 15 Forge Place came down in 2008.

A decision was taken in September 2008 following extensive consultation with the local community and a fall in demand for the high-rise block at 15 Coll Place.

The last of the residents moved out in November 2010 with the vast majority of tenants being rehoused locally within Germiston, Royston, Blackhill and Provanmill either in one of GHA’s upgraded homes or in other partner social landlords’ new-build properties.

The future use of the site will be discussed with Glasgow City Council in line with the city’s local housing strategy.

Safedem Managing Director William Sinclair said: “We’ve built up a successful relationship with GHA over the past three years. During this time we’ve brought down 16 blocks throughout Glasgow.

“It requires a real team effort and everyone has pulled together to make this another safe and successful blowdown.”

(GK)