Hexham House, a tower block in Walker, will be brought down later this year following the demolition of neighbour block Titan House last year using a ‘nibbling technique’ that meant the building was demolished bit by bit.
After inspecting the building demolition experts concluded that the nibbling technique was not suitable for Hexham House and that a controlled explosion is the safest option. Local company Thompsons of Prudhoe have been awarded the contract and preparation work will start soon.
The demolition of Hexham House will pave the way for up to 50 new affordable homes including some accessible properties. Once built the new homes, which are part of the wider regeneration of Walker, will include homes for rent and shared ownership.
Full details of the new homes are still too be confirmed but they will be built with energy efficiency in mind and will help deliver more cleaner, greener homes in the city.
The demolition of Hexham House is expected to take place in late May. The council and contractors will soon start talking to local communities to make sure the site remains safe and secure throughout the process. They are also planning to launch a competition for young people in the local area to design a health and safety poster with the winner set to receive a very special prize.
The council have also confirmed plans to live stream the explosion when it happens so that anyone interested will be able to watch from a safe distance on social media.
Cllr Irim Ali, Cabinet member for a Dynamic City, said: "The delays in the demolition of Hexham House are well known and have been a source of frustration for everyone involved.
"Concerns about how parts of Titan House was broken up during the demolition process forced us back to the drawing board and led to some delays.
“I am pleased we have now agreed a way forward to demolish Hexham House in a way that is safer and quicker and minimises disruption to people who live and pass through the area.
"We are committed to providing high quality green social housing and it is exciting to see the regeneration of this area finally getting underway.
“Residents and businesses in the area will receive letters from the contractor informing them of the programme of works before demolition begins.”
As part of the redevelopment of the wider area there are also plans for the demolition of a block of low-rise flats over shops at Church Walk which have also been empty for some time. This work is also expected to take place in 2024 with some retailers already having moved into newly built retail units nearby.
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