Published: Wednesday, 29th August, 2007 10:30
8-week delay on demolition
By Andrea Fraser
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... because Scottish Water has not turned off supply
WATER MESS: Councillor Carey
THE demolition of one of the area’s worst eyesores — Drumchapel Shopping Centre — is being stalled because water bosses will not turn off the supply, it has been claimed.
The Dunkenny Square buildings were due to be knocked down eight weeks ago to make way for the new £80m shopping precinct.
But despite numerous requests to Scottish Water to turn off the supply to the centre, it has still not been done.
Gas and electricity has already been cut to the run-down shopping precinct, but bulldozers can not move in until all the amenities have been switched off.
Drumchapel councillor Paul Carey told the Post: “It is absolutely outrageous that this new development, for the people of Drumchapel, is being held up by Scottish Water.
“We have been given false dawns.”
It is believed that Scottish Water has given two dates already for turning off the supply to the area but failed to turn up on each occasion.
The Post told in April how the dilapidated centre was to be flattened to make way for a new shopping attraction.
Currently the centre is a haven for troublemakers, drinking teens and drug users.
The first phase of the project will see Mercat House, Drumchapel Opportunities and Dunkenny Square demolished to make way for the new retail complex.
And a new civic building facing Kinfauns Drive will incorporate a number of services including the Social Work Department and a new Drumchapel Police office.
It is hoped that the project will attract big name retailers back to the area similar to its opening in 1964 when it was the star attraction of Drumchapel.
A spokesman for Scottish Water said: “Scottish Water engineers have carried out the first phase of this project, investigating the mains network serving this area.
“They have reported these findings back and we are determining the best way forward with this programme of work.
“Such schemes must be carefully considered, taking into account any long-term effects.
“We apologise for any delay and will be looking to progress this with the contractors as quickly as possible.”
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