Local contractors have started work on the demolition of a number of high-rise blocks in Bradford, which will make way for a multi-million-pound development of family-sized homes.
Contractors have so far carried out the internal removal of materials at two of the blocks, located just of Manchester Road in the city centre.
Scaffolding and cladding will also be removed over the coming weeks.
Incommunities took the decision to demolish the blocks due to the consistently low demand for the homes and after a review of all available options.
Incommunities teams worked with local household to enable their successful rehousing, with many moving to other Incommunities properties or to other housing providers.
Planning permission is in place to develop over 100 affordable homes on the cleared land.
The main work to demolish the high-rises is due to take place in December and will be carried out by a 100-tonne high-reach excavator – one of only three in the country.
The Bradford-based demolition company Thomas Crompton is carrying out the work at Manchester Road.
In 2019, the company successfully carried out the demolition of three high-rises in Bingley for Incommunities.
All the debris and stripped material will be recycled, with much of the concrete being recycled at Thomas Crompton’s specialist facility in Bradford – after which is will be turned into hardcore for roads and construction.
The UPVC window frames will be recycled for the manufacture of new window units.
‘Catalyst for revitalisation’
Geraldine Howley, Incommunities group chief executive, said: “We greatly appreciate the support and patience shown by our customers at the blocks who have successfully been re-housed – many to other Incommunities homes – by our Neighbourhood teams.
“The demolition brings a new chapter for the community, with exciting plans in place to create a much more attractive place to live, work, and play.
“We want to deliver a landmark development that will prove a fitting legacy for this historic housing site as well as a catalyst for the revitalisation of the area.”
Angela Perry, Incommunities’ assistant chief executive of Asset Management, said: “We took the decision to demolish the blocks following a review of all the options and taking account longstanding low-demand issues.
“There has been a real shift in the type of homes people want, and it’s about providing the right housing in the right place.
“This key site will provide much needed attractive affordable homes and benefits from easy access with the city centre.”
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