The three 20-storey blocks, built between 1969 and 1970, were long-standing local landmarks that together provided 351 homes over the past five decades.

The demolition, carried out on Sunday 7 December 2025, followed months of careful planning to ensure the safety of residents, businesses, and the surrounding area. 

Exclusion zones were in place from 8.30am to 4.00pm, covering 271 homes and 10 commercial properties, with road closures, pedestrian restrictions, and dust suppression measures in place. 

A dedicated drop-in respite facility was also available for residents in the vicinity.

The final act of the towers’ long history was marked by two local figures: Danny Devine, now 91, who served as caretaker of the towers for 25 years while also living in Allan Tower, and Joseph Carroll, a nine year-old school pupil from Cathedral Primary in Motherwell who has been documenting the towers’ demolition as part of a school project. 

Both pressed the buttons to trigger the controlled implosions, closing a chapter in Motherwell’s housing heritage.

Stephen Llewellyn, Chief Housing Officer with North Lanarkshire Council, said: "This is a significant moment for Motherwell. We’re grateful to residents and local businesses for their patience and cooperation during this complex process. 

"Safety has been our top priority, and the demolition has been carried out with expert planning and precision. 

"We’re now looking ahead to the next chapter, clearing the site and preparing it for regeneration, with plans already in development for new mixed-amenity homes to benefit the local community.

"This was a challenging but thoroughly well-prepared project. Extensive planning, structural analysis, and safety measures meant the controlled blowdown went exactly as intended. It’s always rewarding to see such a complex demolition carried out safely and successfully."

The demolition was carried out by Thompsons of Prudhoe, supported by the emergency services. Water suppression was used during the blowdown to mitigate dust, and all operations followed robust safety protocols.

Councillor Michael McPake, Convener of Housing with North Lanarkshire Council, added: "Today marks the end of an era for Motherwell’s skyline, but it also represents progress. We thank everyone in the local community for their support and understanding throughout the demolition. 

"The clear-up work will begin immediately, with approximately 20,000 tonnes of rubble and debris set to be removed, paving the way for new opportunities on this site."

Paul Turbitt, Demolition Project Manager with Thompsons of Prudhoe said: “Delivering a safe and successful blowdown of these towers required outstanding teamwork, drawing on months of careful planning, engineering studies, and close collaboration with our partners. 

"Coursington, Allan, and Draffen towers were in challenging locations, so it was vital we achieved a precise and controlled collapse.

“To enable this controlled event, we installed 4120 charges and 135kg of explosives. I am extremely proud of our team’s professionalism and thankful for the support from residents and businesses throughout this project. 

"It has been an honour to help bring this major effort to a safe finish and contribute to the future development of the site.”

The towers, built using the Cruden-Skarne Large Panel System, incorporated a rare post-tensioning system designed to improve resident comfort by reducing vibrations and movement within the building. 

Over the years, the towers were refurbished with aluminium cladding, insulation, and updated heating systems, remaining a unique part of Motherwell’s architectural and social history.

“The council would like to thank all residents, businesses, and members of the public for their cooperation, as well as Thompsons of Prudhoe, the emergency services, and road sweepers for their roles in ensuring a safe and successful demolition” said Councillor McPake.