The demolition of Aberdeen’s former council HQ reached a critical stage yesterday as work began to bring down the main tower of the 1960s office complex.
The process of deconstructing St Nicholas House, which has dramatically changed the appearance of the east end of the city centre, has been going on since early this year.
The lower buildings have already been reduced to rubble, clearing the area around the 16th century Provost Skene’s House.
Scaffolding has now been erected around the chimney on top of the 13-storey tower.
It will be dismantled by hand, before the remainder of the structure is demolished.
Remote-controlled machinery will be hoisted up the side of the building and used to demolish the tower floor by floor.
Each floor will be propped, before the machines are used to chip away the concrete, dropping the material down the lift shaft in a controlled manner.
Supporting columns will then be pulled down and the operation will move to the next floor.
The rubble will be taken into the area formerly occupied by the Underpass Gallery.
A council spokeswoman said it will take about two weeks to remove each floor.
Deputy council leader Marie Boulton said: “This is a historic moment for Aberdeen.
“Love it or loathe it, the St Nicholas House tower has been a prominent feature of the city’s skyline for almost 50 years.
“Over the coming weeks we will see it steadily reduced until nothing remains of the monolithic building. I am pleased to see the demolition project progressing so well and the site being cleared in readiness for an exciting new development and a new chapter in the city’s history.”
Project manager Andrew Sproull added: “The work presents challenges because the building is in such a constrained site in the middle of a busy city centre, which is why we have opted to take the tower down floor by floor in a very safe and controlled manner.
“We are liaising regularly with the Health and Safety Executive and are also working closely with Marks and Spencer to ensure that any activity on Flourmill Lane is not affecting their business.”
The demolition project is scheduled for completion in spring next year.