A demolition plan has disclosed the specific method for tearing down 500 homes in Torry – despite a continuing dispute with some homeowners who are refusing to sell.
Aberdeen City Council has officially submitted paperwork detailing the planned approach that will result in the destruction of 372 buildings in the Balnagask area. This will lead to the elimination of 504 addresses, including 366 council-owned properties and 138 privately held homes.
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The demolition and rebuilding project is estimated to cost over £150 million, with demolition expenses alone ranging from £20 million to £25 million. The reconstruction phase could take between 5 to 15 years to complete, with an estimated cost of £130 million.
Once the area is cleared, which could not be until 2028, it has been proposed that new social housing will be constructed to replace the Torry houses.
Councillor Miranda Radley, chair of the communities, housing, and public protection committee, has acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating:
“This is one of the most challenging decisions the council has faced. We understand the profound effect this will have on residents, many of whom have resided in their homes for many years.”
The latest report from Engineering consulting firm Fairhurst has defined how the demolition will be executed, and has presented photographs of deteriorating panels captured during inspections of over 100 properties. The images indicate fractures along the entire length of ceiling slabs and evidence of sagging or bending. Additionally, all slabs exhibited holes that heightened the risk of water infiltration, leading to potential collapse.
Fairhurst have emphasised that the process will be conducted as “safely as possible,” with special attention given to minimising any exposure of nearby residents to materials such as dust. All homes identified to have reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete will be demolished, including a combination of terraced and semi-detached two-story houses and flats.
These properties are located on Balnagask Road, Farquhar Road, Pentland Crescent, Pentland Place, Rockall Place, Downies Brae, and Girdleness Road. Inspections will also be conducted to confirm the absence of asbestos within the homes. Should it be detected, a certified contractor will be tasked with its removal.
Controlled demolition will ensure that each property is methodically dismantled floor by floor. Nearby streets and sidewalks will be routinely cleaned to prevent dust accumulation. The report also addresses additional considerations such as telephone lines, broadband connections, gas valves, and water pipes.
The impacted area is part of the Balnagask Estate, developed by Aberdeen City Council in the 1960s on the slopes of Torry Hill. The initial phase of housing was finalised in 1967, followed by a second phase three years later. All properties were initially owned by the local authority, but this situation changed over time as residents took advantage of the Right to Buy initiative from the 1980s up until 2016, resulting in 138 homes being purchased privately.
Despite the council’s efforts to purchase affected private properties, many owners are refusing to participate in the scheme. They are seeking guarantees that the cost of replacing affected roof panels will not be deducted from property valuations.
The Torry Community RAAC Campaign has voiced “deep anger” over the council’s approach. Janice Mackie, a protester, shared her concerns in August, when she commented: “One moment you think you have a lifelong home, and the next, you’re informed that it will be demolished. As a homeowner, what am I meant to do? Securing another mortgage seems impossible.”
As the situation unfolds, the council aims to rehome all affected council tenants by the end of 2024. However, the path forward remains contentious, with the local authority potentially considering legal action against tenants who refuse to move despite being given “reasonable offers”.
