 A tower block sits behind new social housing in the Gorbals |
A �96m project to transform Glasgow's skyline by demolishing tower blocks and building new homes could be completed three years earlier than planned. Glasgow City Council plans to accelerate the programme and build 2,400 homes by 2011.
Council Leader Steven Purcell said it was a "housing revolution".
But an urban studies expert described that claim as an "overstatement" and questioned what future city neighbourhoods would look like.
Keith Kintrea, senior lecturer at the University of Glasgow, said: "There is a need for a replacement programme given oversupply, condition and house type.
"Glasgow City Council's approach to demolish unpopular housing that is expensive for landlords to maintain and replace it with more popular housing is broadly sensible.
 |  I'm determined we will not repeat the mistakes of the past |
"There is a question in my mind as to what new neighbourhoods will look like.
"I've never been convinced Glasgow City Council has a good vision of what future neighbourhoods will be like."
He added: "The question that needs to be asked is what will be built and how fit for the future will they be."
New forums
Communities can have their say on where new houses are built through 10 new local housing forums.
Eamon Fitzgerald, convener of the council's housing development committee, said: "We have to put local communities at the heart of Glasgow's housing agenda to ensure we're meeting their needs."
 Tower blocks in Sighthill could be among those demolished |
Funding is being provided by the Scottish Executive and administered by Glasgow City Council.
Cllr Purcell added: "Glasgow is enjoying a real renaissance.
"This is an announcement that looks to the future and I'm determined we will not repeat the mistakes of the past."
Areas likely to benefit from the programme include Sighthill and Laurieston.
'Lovely new home'
Plans to demolish the Red Road flats have already been announced.
In the east end, 60 homes have been built in first phase of a �24m project to build 600 homes.
Jimmy McGrattan, 73, moved into the new development in November from a tower block.
He said: "I was living on the 21st floor and now I have a lovely new home.
"I'm absolutely delighted, I have a beautiful new house and good neighbours.
"I have everything at hand, a garage and a lovely driveway.
"I am absolutely sure that anyone who gets one of these 2,400 new homes will be as delighted as I am."
Another tenant, Eleanor Miller, 50, added: "This is the way people should be living in 2006.
"This should be what people in Glasgow should expect to have - a good quality house with a top class finish."
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