Latharna House: 'Keep out' warning with demolition to start on 16-storey building that has been part of Larne skyline since early 1970s
A 52-week demolition project is due to commence later this month on Latharna House in Larne, the Department for Communities has confirmed.
A controlled floor-by-floor removal of the tower block has been agreed given its close proximity to the town’s busiest road and nearby properties.
The unoccupied 16-storey building, which has been part of the skyline since the early 1970s, will be the last of three Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) high rise flats to be demolished in the Riverdale area.
Communities Minister Gordon 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.
“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.”
The removal of Latharna is part of the Housing Executive’s wider tower block strategy.
Paul Isherwood, director of asset management in NIHE, said: “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.
“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.”
The work will include:
- Measures to protect nearby buildings and infrastructure;
- Removal of all internal materials;
- A mechanical deconstruction of the tower block;
- Clearance of the site, to be replaced with a landscaped area that can be enjoyed by local residents.
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”