New council homes on way as demolition of Boothferry tower blocks begins

COMING DOWN: Demolition begins on a tower block

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

Three historic tower blocks on Boothferry estate are being demolished to make way for about 150 new council homes.

The tower blocks – Torpoint, Millport and Woolwich – which date from the mid-1960s, are being torn down ahead of the building of modern, energy efficient houses, which will help meet demand in the city for good quality affordable housing, Hull City Council said.

Following a tendering process, GBM Demolition was appointed to carry out the work, with the demolitions expected to be completed in the autumn.

Councillor Paul Drake-Davis, the council’s portfolio holder for economic renewal, housing and organisational development, said: “This long-awaited development allows us to really push forward towards the creation of more homes in our city for those on our housing waiting list.

“The council has gone through extensive consultation with residents to get to this point, with a clear indication from them that the outdated towers needed to be replaced with a modern mixture of houses and apartments.

“There will be at least the same number of energy efficient and sustainable new council homes as those that will be demolished on the sites.”

The council will seek to appoint a development partner for the site, which will retain much of its existing green space and provide “opportunities” for non-residential buildings such as shops and community facilities, it said.