The demolition of the Alexander Street multis has been hailed as the start of a new era for the Maxwelltown area of Dundee.
Elaine Zwirlein, director of housing with Dundee City Council, admits that while it was sad to see a part of the city’s history disappear in a cloud of dust, the opportunities presented by the collapse of the four towers are too good to be ignored.
The site of the former blocks is set to be offered up to developers to provide more than 200 new homes for the Hilltown area, a move many hope will help change perceptions of the community.
With Dundee undergoing a makeover as work on the waterfront regeneration project takes place, Mrs Zwirlein emphasised the removal of the four multis could mark an exciting new beginning for the Coldside area of the city.
She said, “Obviously it is sad to see the multis go in some ways, but the city is looking to the future now. We have an opportunity to regenerate this site and put 240 new homes up on this land.
“These homes are desperately needed in the city homes built for families. Hopefully when that happens then they might be able to bring people who have left the area back.”
Dundee City Council awarded contracts worth £3.7m to Safedem in order to demolish the Alexander Street blocks.
Praising everyone involved in yesterday’s demolition, Mrs Zwirlein added, “I’m delighted with how everything has gone it went really well.”