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'.
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Source: i newspaper - 🏆 8. / 89 Read more »