Demolition blast will be city's first in 15 years

The demolition of a tower block will be the first to use explosives in a city for more than 15 years.

Hexham House in Walker, Newcastle, was set to be knocked down in May but the work was pushed back while officials planned how to conduct it safely.

The derelict tower block will now be demolished on 16 November, Newcastle City Council confirmed.

Councillor Paula Maines said knocking the building down was key to the authority's regeneration plans.

Empty apartment blocks in the area are being demolished to make way for 50 new homes.

Neighbouring Titan House was pulled down last year in a gradual process using "nibbling machines", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

But the council said concerns had arisen from the process and a controlled explosion was deemed the safest option for Hexham House in Duncan Street.

Those living near the building will have to leave their homes for up to four hours on the day of the blast.

The council has promised to make community facilities available in the area and a live stream of the explosion will be made available online.

"I am looking forward to watching the first controlled explosion in Newcastle for nearly two decades and hoping that local residents will join online to watch as the building comes down," Ms Maines said.

The last explosion in Newcastle took place in 2008, when Sir Bobby Robson pushed the button to destroy the old Scottish and Newcastle Brewery.

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