The first stage of demolition work has officially begun on a number of Renfrewshire Council housing blocks in the east end of Paisley.
Demolition contractors Dem-Master moved onto the site this morning to begin the soft strip-out of the properties at 9 Ladyburn Street, 35–43 McKerrell Street, and 8–16 Howard Street. The soft strip process involves removing fixtures, fittings and other internal materials before the main demolition work gets underway.
The flats have stood as part of the east end community for decades, with generations of local families calling them home. However, once the demolition is complete, there are currently no plans to redevelop the land for new housing.
While they may simply be bricks and mortar to some, these buildings have witnessed countless moments that make up the story of Paisley. Behind every front door were lives being lived — families welcoming newborn babies home for the first time, children celebrating birthdays, couples starting married life together, neighbours becoming lifelong friends, Christmases and family gatherings, and, sadly, the loss of loved ones. For many, these flats were more than just an address; they were home and the backdrop to decades of memories.
The clearance marks the end of another familiar part of Paisley’s skyline and is likely to stir mixed emotions among former residents and those who grew up in the area. While some will welcome the removal of ageing buildings, others may feel they could have been modernised and given a new lease of life.
Did you ever live in these flats?
What are your memories of Ladyburn Street, McKerrell Street or Howard Street? Were they good places to live, or had they reached the end of their life? Are you glad to see them demolished, or do you think they should have been refurbished and preserved instead?
Share your memories, photographs and opinions in the comments below. We’d love to hear your stories and help preserve the history of these homes before they disappear forever.
Paisley Photographs 