Coatbridge and Motherwell will see major change as several high-rise blocks are demolished over the next two years as part of plans to deliver 5,000 new homes across the council area.

Site work is now set to begin at Burnside Court in Coatbridge in January 2021, followed by Coursington, Allan and Draffen Court in Motherwell in the spring of 2022; and then Jackson Court, High Coats and Dunbeth Court in Coatbridge in the spring of 2023.

The blocks are included in the first phase of a 25-year plan to knock-down all 48 high-rise blocks across the authority. Three towers in Airdrie have already been demolished.

Stephen Llewellyn, head of housing solutions, said: “The health pandemic has been a challenge for everyone, and we are grateful to our tenants for their help and understanding throughout these unprecedented times.

“A crucial aspect of moving our tower plans forward has been working with our tenants to reduce the number of people living within blocks identified in our first phase programme.

“Of the initial 1,750 properties identified, we now have 1,127 empty flats and we have agreed future housing options with the vast majority of people currently living in those homes. This reflects the consultation we held with residents who overwhelmingly shared our ambition to regenerate our tower sites.”

Major refurbishment work has also recommenced at Blairgrove, Merrystone, Glen and Millbrae towers in Coatbridge having been put on hold earlier in the summer due to COVID-19 restrictions. These works include fitting new windows, cladding and upgrading entrances and is scheduled to be completed during 2021.

The council is also currently working to install sprinkler systems in all remaining tower blocks across North Lanarkshire to improve tenant safety.

Councillor Heather Brannan-McVey, convener of housing and regeneration, said: “Our tower re-provisioning programme will not only see visible and significant change to our skylines, it will see quality new housing being built for the people and families moving into these redeveloped sites.

“The coronavirus pandemic has made things seem uncertain at the moment, but as we look towards a brighter future, we are committed to delivering on our plans for the future of North Lanarkshire to make it a better place for people to live in and our council house programme is vital to that ambition.”