North Lanarkshire Council has welcomed progress made by its tower strategy, which aims to improve living conditions in tower blocks and low-rise properties.

A number of blocks are set to be demolished as part of a long term re-provisioning programme, which the council has said will span the next 25 years.

Structural surveys of cladding and fire assessments have been concluded on all 48 towers (4,000 flats) with identified enhancement plans now being developed.

The wide-ranging improvement programme will include some blocks receiving:

• new cladding systems

• upgrading of entrances and surrounding areas

• improved lighting systems

• individual flat sprinklers and new fire doors being installed.

Major refurbishment work is already scheduled to begin this month at four towers in Coatbridge - Blairgrove, Merrystone, Glen and Millbrae Courts.

-- Advertisement --

Northburn Place in Airdrie is now empty with demolition due to over the summer months. Three multi-storey flats in Holehills, Airdrie are also anticipated to be empty by the autumn this year and will then be ready for demolition.

Pilot testing will begin over the summer months on new sprinkler systems which will be installed in all tower blocks.

Stephen Llewellyn, Head of Housing Solutions explained: "As part of the first phase of re-provisioning involving over 1,700 properties, we now have 497 void flats and over 95% of people living in the first phase have now identified their future housing needs and options.

"The first phase includes 15 tower blocks and a number of low-rise blocks. We are now seeing real progress in reducing the number of tenancies in these blocks, as our plans for providing quality modern homes that meet the needs of local people now and in the future gather pace. As we reduce the number of people living in towers, we will be removing all interior fixtures and fittings and maintaining security throughout each block."

Plans for the future redevelopment of demolition sites are also advancing with consultants appointed to put together a masterplan for sites in Gowkthrapple and investigative works at Holehills and Northburn Place, Airdrie.

Heather McVey, Convener of Communities and Housing said: "Our long-term ambitious tower programme will see huge improvements in council housing in the years to come.

"These latest developments and the ongoing improvement works highlight our commitment to provide good quality housing for our tenants while maintaining existing flats safety."