Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced that the demolition of Latharna House in Larne is scheduled to start later this month. The 16-storey tower block, which has stood since the early 1970s, is currently unoccupied and represents the final Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) high-rise to be cleared from the town's Riverdale area.

The NIHE has successfully formalised the demolition contract for the building as part of its broader tower block strategy.

Minister Lyons said: "I am pleased to confirm that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has appointed a contractor to proceed with the demolition of Latharna House, with works to begin shortly.

"The final remaining tenant of Latharna was successfully rehoused in 2023, and I welcome the recent progress that has brought us to this important milestone.

"I am conscious that the site holds many memories and that Latharna House has been part of the town's skyline and story for more than half a century. However, it has now become an eyesore and attracts anti-social behaviour, so it is important that we look to the future.

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"The demolition of Latharna House marks another positive step forward for Larne, and I look forward to seeing how the future site is remodelled by the Housing Executive for the benefit of nearby residents and the local community."

NIHE Director of Asset Management, Paul Isherwood, confirmed that B Small Contracts has been appointed to handle the project. Over the coming weeks, the firm will establish environmental measures and safety controls at the site. Due to the tower's location near the A8 ring road and other local properties, a controlled floor-by-floor deconstruction method has been chosen.

The process is expected to take roughly 52 weeks, depending on weather and site conditions.

Paul Isherwood added: "Given Latharna House's proximity to the A8 ring road and nearby properties, a controlled floor-by-floor deconstruction has been agreed as the safest and most appropriate method of demolition.

"It is therefore anticipated that the carefully sequenced works will take approximately 52 weeks to complete, depending on site conditions and weather. We want to reassure local residents and businesses that our aim is to keep disruption to a minimum.

"It is vitally important that everyone in the local vicinity follows any safety advice around the site and residents and members of the public should not access the site at any time. We are grateful for the local community's patience during the demolition process."

Micheal O'Rourke, Contracts Manager at B Small Contracts Limited, said: "We are pleased to have been awarded the contract for the demolition of Latharna House in Larne. This is a significant and sensitive project, and it will be delivered by a team with extensive experience in the demolition of high‑rise tower blocks.

"Our priority will be to carry out the works safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption to the local community. We will work closely with the client and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the demolition is completed to the highest standards, while fully complying with environmental, health and safety requirements."