Two buildings in Monklands set to be demolished due to RAAC
A community primary school and a community centre in North Lanarkshire are facing demolition due to concerns regarding reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). The primary school and community centre are set to undergo roof reconstruction at an estimated cost of £7 million in order to eliminate the collapse risk associated with the concrete.
The decision to demolish the buildings comes following safety surveys that identified the presence of collapse-risk concrete in the structures. The buildings affected include the Caldervale High secondary school annexe in Airdrie and the former housing office at 124 Main Street in Coatbridge. Additionally, the B-listed Motherwell civic theatre and concert hall will also be torn down due to the same concerns.
As a result of the structural investigations and safety assessments, North Lanarkshire councillors have approved the demolition of these buildings in order to mitigate the risks posed by the RAAC. Furthermore, Ravenswood Primary in Cumbernauld will be relocating to share premises with St Mary’s Primary while necessary roof repairs are conducted at their current building.
The council has allocated £14.7 million towards RAAC works, with a focus on ensuring the safety and structural integrity of public buildings in the area. The decision to demolish and rebuild these structures aims to safeguard the community and prevent any potential hazards associated with the deteriorating concrete.
North Lanarkshire Council remains committed to addressing the RAAC issue in public buildings, prioritising the safety and well-being of residents and users of these facilities. By taking decisive action to demolish and reconstruct at-risk buildings, the council is demonstrating proactive measures to uphold safety standards in the Monklands area.
In summary, the demolition of the two buildings in Monklands due to RAAC highlights the council’s dedication to ensuring the safety of residents and users of public facilities. The significant investment in roof reconstruction and building works underscores the importance of proactive risk management in maintaining infrastructure integrity. By prioritising the removal of collapse-risk concrete, North Lanarkshire Council is taking concrete steps towards enhancing safety standards in the community.