Final stages of York House demolition and safety message to local schools
As the much-anticipated demolition of the York House flats in Thorpe Edge reaches its final stages, local primary school children were given important safety lessons about the soon-to-be-empty site.
Alongside Bradford-based demolition contractor Metropolitan Demolition, we visited pupils from Cavendish Primary and Co-op Academy Parkland to share vital information about the dangers of both active demolition sites and vacant areas that are awaiting redevelopment – urging children to stay away from these sites.
Debra Nixon, Deputy Headteacher at Cavendish Primary, said: “Many of our children have been closely watching the demolition of York House, and some of them even lived in the flats, so this visit was particularly meaningful for them.
“The safety message is crucial, as children can be drawn to construction sites without realising the risks.”
Margot Mangelmann, Head of Regeneration at Incommunities, provided an update on the progress of the site. She said: “The demolition is expected to be completed by early November, with redevelopment plans taking more time to finalise. We want to allow for more opportunities to collaborate with the local community and partners when development plans are made.
“All the children had great ideas about York House’s future and their feedback is invaluable as we plan the next steps.”
Gerard Jackson, Director at Metropolitan Demolition, added: “The timing of our visit was crucial, especially with Bonfire Night approaching. We emphasised to the children that even after demolition is complete, the site remains dangerous and the barriers around the site are there for their protection.”
Charlotte Wierzbianski, Headteacher of Co-op Academy Parkland, noted the deep connection between the local community and York House. She said: “Many families in our school community have lived at York House for generations. The building holds a lot of history for them, so it’s wonderful that the community will be consulted on what comes next for the land.”