Wyndford: your questions answered
It’s important residents in Wyndford have all the facts about the demolition and the proposals for the new homes in the area.
Our Question and Answers below give you the information you need to know.
We don’t want there to be any misunderstandings or people hearing half-truths.
Remember, tenants who have any questions about the regeneration can contact their housing officer.
When will residents find out more about the regeneration plans?
Further updates on the regeneration plans will be made available to the public in April 2025.
Did residents have to leave their homes for the blocks to be demolished?
We created a map of Safedem's exclusion zone surrounding the demolition site. Residents who lived within this zone needed to leave for the demolition.
Safedem's Community Liaison Teams reached out to residents living within the zone, to provide more details and to put in place an evacuation plan.
Where did people within the exclusion zone go on the day?
Safedem's Community Liaison Teams spoke with residents of every household in the exclusion zone and put individual plans in place.
An evacuation centre at Cleveden Secondary School was arranged offering breakfast and lunch as well as activities for children.
Residents living within Safedem's exclusion zone received Tesco gift vouchers, worth £100, on the day. These vouchers were collected from Cleveden Secondary School.
Many residents chose to make their own arrangements, such as visit family or friends or go away for the day.
On the day of the demolition, we recommended that all pets be kept indoors ensuring they couldn't escape through cat flaps, open windows, or doors. It was recommended that fishponds and rabbit hutches etc. should be covered.
No parking will be allowed within Safedem's exclusion zone boundary. Parking restrictions will also be in place along many roads in the surrounding areas. Vehicles left within the zone causing an obstruction may be removed and vehicles left on restricted or closed roads may also be uplifted.
What about people who needed assistance leaving their home?
Any additional needs were discussed with Safedem's Community Liaison Team, who put in place an individual evacuation plan.
What about the clean-up after the demolition?
Clean-up teams were quickly in place after the demolition of the three blocks. On the day, these measures ranged from street sweeping to jet washing, with priority given to footways and roads, so residents could return home as soon as possible. The teams worked closely with Wheatley Homes Glasgow’s Neighbourhood Environmental Teams to clean areas impacted after the demolition.
Are roads closed due to the demolition?
Essential works are currently being carried out on the footpath and road next to the demolition site.
From 17 February the footpath running alongside the multi-storeys will be closed for around 12 weeks.
From 17 March, part of Wyndford Road will also be closed for 4 weeks, however the footpath north to this will remain open. Buses will be diverted during this time.
A map showing closures was included in a recent Safedem newsletter.
On 23 March, the following roads were closed for the duration of the demolition:
Kelvindale Road, both ways, from 256 Kelvindale Road to Gairbraid Avenue.
Gairbraid Avenue, both ways, from 36 Gairbraid Avenue to Kelvindale Road.
Kelvindale Gardens, both ways, from 31 Kelvindale Gardens to Kelvindale Road.
Carrbridge Drive, both ways, from 8 Carrbridge Drive to Glenfinnan Drive.
Carrbridge Drive, both ways, west of junction with Wyndford Road.
Invershin Drive, both ways, from Glenfinnan Drive to Wyndford Road.
Wyndford Road, both ways, from 102 Wyndford Road to Kelvindale Road.
Melvaig Place, in its entirety, from junction with Wyndford Road.
Southmuir Place, both ways, from end of garages at 70 Southmuir Place to 51 Southmuir Place.
Kelvin walkway, both ways, from St Gregory’s Church to the Garrioch viaduct; and the public path, both ways, from Kelvin Bridge to Kelvindale Road to rear of 20/22 Balcarres Avenue, were closed.
Is there any guidance on dust and suppression?
Dust suppression systems (misting systems) were positioned around the site to minimise dust. The location of each system was determined by the weather and wind direction on the day of demolition.
There was some dust blown through the air during and immediately after the demolition. We encouraged all residents living nearby to follow the following advice -
- close all doors, windows and vents (remember to open vents after the demolition)
- do not hang out washing; and
- anyone with a respiratory condition is recommended to avoid the area on the day.
How do I get in touch with Safedem?
If you would like to get in touch with Safedem for more information, you can get in touch via telephone: 01382 811444 or email: clteam@safedem.co.cuk
Working hours for Safedem staff are 8am-5pm Monday to Friday although appointments can be made for evenings or weekends.
What is the Wyndford Future Focus Group and who can join?
We invited tenants to get in touch to be part of a focus group to help create the masterplan for the £100 million regeneration. There will be lots of opportunities for homeowners, private tenants, and other key community stakeholders to have their say while the masterplan is being developed.
Is it not better to retrofit the flats than demolish them?
Studies by leading architects and structural engineers have shown retrofitting the homes and trying to make them into larger flats would compromise the structural integrity and stability of the buildings.
Are you making a profit from the sale of land after the demolition?
No. There will be no private homes for sale, no commercial units included in the plans, and no land will be sold to private developers.
Why did you demolishing four multi-storeys when there is a homelessness crisis?
The four blocks were no longer fit for purpose, had high turnover and low demand. Wheatley Group allocates 60% of its social homes to homeless applicants. Last year, we provided more than 1300 homes to homeless people and families in Glasgow.
Will the new homes be for private rent?
No. Of the 386 homes, 85% will be for social rent, including larger family-style homes, and the rest for mid-market rent.
How much will the mid-market homes cost to rent?
Mid-market rents start at £435 a month. They will be for local people who earn up to £46,000 and who have no priority for social housing but can’t afford to buy their own home. The homes will be a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom houses and flats. The homes will be high-quality and fuel-efficient, offering the same number, if not more, bedrooms as the blocks which will be demolished.
Who will demolish the flats?
Safedem are the two-times World Demolition Team of the Year. They are leading experts and have safely brought down buildings across the world.
Is it true the demolition will close the Kelvin walkway for years?
Absolutely not. The masterplan is looking at ways to improve the walkway to make it more accessible for the community.
I’ve heard talk about the loss of 57,000 tonnes of embodied carbon. What does this mean?
Embodied carbon is the amount of carbon emitted during the construction of a building. These emissions happened when the blocks were built in the 1960s. They are not the same thing as CO2 emissions which are harming the planet.
Will the demolition release hazardous substances into the air?
No. Safedem surveyed the blocks to identify any hazardous materials. Those materials were safely removed.
Will the demolition have an impact on the environment?
We are taking all precautions and following all regulations to prevent any impact on the environment or wildlife.
We’ve worked with leading independent ecologists to assess any potential impact on birds, bats, otters, badgers, and other wildlife. We’ve put in place robust mitigation measures, including installing bat boxes, and minimising noise and external lighting throughout the area.
We have kept the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) fully informed of our pollution prevention plans and mitigation measures to ensure there is no impact on the River Kelvin.
Was the demolition be noisy?
Yes. The type of explosives used produced a loud, sharp, cracking noise.
How will I find out more about the demolition plans?
Safedem will issue regular newsletters, updating the community on details of work, safety advice, their work with schools and creating jobs and training. You’ll also get updates at www.wheatleyhomes-glasgow. com
What will happen to the rubble from the demolished blocks?
Up to 98% of the demolition material from the blocks will be recycled. The remaining material can be used as foundations for new homes or to build new roads.
How long will it take to clear the site for work to start on the new homes?
Site clearance started straight after the blocks were demolished; this is expected to take 12 months. Subject to receiving the necessary consents from Glasgow City Council, we expect to make a start on the new homes in late 2026
What plans do the Council have for the Wyndford Hub?
The masterplan proposals will be subject to a full planning application and public consultation. The proposed new community hub will be subject to the appropriate Council approval.
The new hub would include a two-storey height hall, café, Click & Connect computers, bookable meeting rooms and more.
The proposals being developed include provision to ensure continuity of the services currently delivered from the existing hub until the new one is constructed.