Wyndford flats demolition sees towers blown up

The Glasgow skyline changed once more today with three of the four towers blown-up…

​The Wyndford flats in Glasgow were, until noon today, a notable example of mid-20th-century urban redevelopment, transforming a historic military site into a residential community.​ The area now known as Wyndford was originally occupied by the Maryhill Barracks, established in 1872.

These barracks served as a significant military installation, housing units such as the Highland Light Infantry and the Scots Greys. Notably, during World War II, Rudolf Hess, Adolf Hitler’s deputy, was detained there after his unexpected flight to the UK in 1941. The barracks were decommissioned in 1959 and subsequently demolished in 1961, paving the way for what would become the Wyndford Estate – a mix of high and low-level flats and houses.

The Scottish Special Housing Association initiated the construction of the housing estate shortly after the barracks were demolished with the new complex designed by Ernest Buteux, the estate was developed between 1961 and 1969 with an offering of four 26-storey tower blocks, each containing 150 flats.​ Five 15-storey blocks. Three 7-storey blocks and three- and four-storey courtyard housing.

The site also originally included schools and shops and was at its peak home to approximately 1,900 families, totalling around 6,000 residents. ‘The design preserved elements of the original barracks, such as the perimeter walls and gatehouse, to foster a sense of community and continuity’ ​noted the University of Glasgow

Ten years ago the flats, then part of the Glasgow Housing Association, underwent a major refit and refurbishment. But, despite a huge backlog of people on the housing waiting list the Wyndford Flats were deemed no longer of service in 2023. Rebranded as Wheatley Homes Glasgow, GHA, decided the cheapest option was to demolish the four blocks and replace them with more low-level modern housing.

‘Wheatley Homes housing association claimed the flats were not fit for purpose and could not feasibly be altered to meet modern floor space standards.’ – BBC News

The new site is part of a £100 million regeneration project, which includes the demolition of the four 26-storey tower blocks to make way for nearly 400 new, energy-efficient homes. The first phase of this sees block 120 taken down floor-by-floor as it is too near in proximity to occupied houses for a blowdown.

The demolition of the other three blocks at 151, 171, and 191 Wyndford Road took place at noon today, Sunday, March 23rd with the three blocks flattened in less than 20 seconds. Two ATV Today cameras captured the demolition at midday from the top of 115 Kirkton Avenue in Knightswood.

‘Around 85% of the new homes planned for Wyndford will be for social rent and 15% for mid-market rent, while other plans for the area include a new community centre, which will be owned and managed by Glasgow City Council.‘ BBC News report