Historic Motherwell Towers Demolished in Controlled Explosion

End of an Era for Motherwell’s Skyline

Three of Motherwell’s tallest and most recognisable residential towers – Draffen, Allan, and Coursington towers have been demolished in a carefully planned blowdown, ending more than 50 years of housing history in the town. 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. This significant milestone marks a major transformation for the North Lanarkshire town, which has lived with these distinctive landmarks since the late 1960s.

The Towers’ Historical Significance

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. Standing approximately 58 metres tall, these post-war structures formed a defining feature of Motherwell’s architectural landscape. 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.

A Complex Demolition Operation

The controlled blowdown required extensive preparation and coordination. To enable this controlled event, we installed 4120 charges and 135kg of explosives. 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 respite facility was provided for affected residents during the operation.

The demolition was carried out by PDC Ltd working as explosive demolition subcontractor to Thompsons of Prudhoe. The demolition was witnessed by crowds who gathered to see this historic moment unfold.

Looking to the Future

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. Local councillors have emphasized that whilst this marks the end of an era, it also represents progress for the community. The demolition forms part of North Lanarkshire Council’s tower reprovisioning programme, preparing the site for future development that will shape Motherwell’s next chapter.