The demolition of an “eyesore” tower block in Larne is set to get under way in the coming weeks.

Latharna House was once one of three tower blocks which dominated the landscape of the Co Antrim port town since the early 1970s.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has confirmed the demolition works will start later this month on the unoccupied 16-storey building.

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) said the removal is part of its wider tower block strategy.

placeholder image — Undated handout photo issued by the Department for Communities of Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and Roy McClean, NIHE Assistant Area Manager for Mid and East Antrim, pictured outside Latharna House in Larne

Mr Lyons said the structure had become an eyesore.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Mr Lyons described the move as a “positive step forward for Larne”.

“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,” he added.

Paul Isherwood, director of asset management in NIHE, said the demolition will take around 52 weeks.

“It is encouraging to see the demolition of Latharna House progress with the appointment of B Small Contracts. In the next few weeks, they will begin putting safety controls and environmental measures in place to begin their work,” he said.

“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, added: “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.”