The future of the Wyndford estate in Glasgow was a contentious issue for nearly four years, dividing residents and sparking national controversy. At the heart of the dispute was the question of whether the demolition of its high-rise buildings was an environmental mistake or the necessary step towards regeneration. The debate intensified after the UN climate conference Cop26, where promises were made to reduce wasteful building destruction. Despite objections and legal challenges, Wheatley Group, Scotland’s largest landlord, went ahead with the demolition of three out of four tower blocks, citing the need for modern family housing and the unsuitability of the existing structures. Critics, including architects and conservationists, argued that the buildings could have been retrofitted and that the demolition contributes to environmental concerns, particularly concerning the release of embodied carbon. The demolitions have been completed, but the battle over the legacy of Wyndford and the broader issues of social housing shortages and environmental impact continue.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/mar/24/battle-for-glasgow-wyndford-estate-photo-essay