The rise and spectacular fall of the 'high-rise estate in the countryside' demolished in seconds
It took just eight and a half seconds and half a ton of explosives. In 1990, Kersal Flats entered the Guinness Book of Records as the largest building demolished at one time.
And because the site close to the old racecourse had been subject to flooding, the flats were built on stilts, creating rooms underneath which were earmarked for laundries and children's play areas. And initially the flats were wildly popular. Unlike many other high-rise developments at the time which were built by private contractors, Kersal Flats were constructed by Salford council's in-house building department. It meant building standards and the materials used were top drawer. In fact the project came in ahead of schedule and under budget.
"Salford has been wrong in practically everything it has done by way of municipal housing in recent years," the editorial read. And it seems the powers-that-be were listening. Among them was Dr Sullivan, whose family left the estate in the late 70s. Looking back now he says living there felt like being part of a huge 'social experiment'.
The blocks themselves were still fundamentally sound. Salford council admitted at the time there was 'nothing wrong' with the flats 'as far as their structure and space standards are concerned'.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former high street bank could become new bar, restaurant and flatsThe building, on Market Avenue in Ashton-under-Lyne, dates back to 1849 and was most recently occupied by Yorkshire Bank which closed in January 2022
Read more »
Tragedy as man's body found in Darwen flats as police issue statementEmergency services were called to Mayfield Flats on Tuesday afternoon
Read more »
Katie Holmes Does Literal Red-Carpet Dressing In Her Favourite Ballet FlatsThe shoes are also a Vogue-editor favourite.
Read more »
Katie Holmes Brings Ballet Flats To The Red Carpet For A Most Appropriate OccasionKatieHolmes wore a pair of Miu Miu ballet flats to attend the opening night of the American Ballet Theatre’s new production, Like “Water For Chocolate”, in New York. It’s not the first time Katie Holmes has been spotted in them this month.
Read more »
Bank of England interest rates announcement LIVE as rates expected to riseThe Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee will announce its decision on whether to raise rates today - a decision which will likely affect millions of people's mortgages
Read more »
i morning briefing: How today's interest rate rise could impact youThe Bank of England is expected to push interest rates up again today Here's what impact that could have, from mortgages to savings and the wider economy 📧 Read our Early Edition newsletter from jacquelinehead
Read more »