The council has appointed Dem-Master Demolition Ltd to carry out the work, which will include stripping out interiors and installing additional security measures such as fencing around the site.

This marks the start of a major redevelopment project after more than 500 homes in Torry and Balnagask were found to contain RAAC, a material now deemed unsafe. The discovery led to the evacuation of residents and the relocation of more than 350 social tenants to alternative accommodation across the city. The majority of the affected properties are set to be demolished, with plans to rebuild Balnagask in the coming years.

For private homeowners, the demolition work coincides with a critical deadline. The removal of interiors will begin just two days before the cut-off for the area’s 138 private homeowners to accept or reject the council’s “best and final offer” to buy back their homes.

Following a £10 million funding package from the Scottish Government, the council announced in October that it would make improved offers to homeowners.

Under the new voluntary acquisition scheme, residents will receive the full market value of their homes prior to the RAAC discovery, along with additional payments:

• £44,000 for a four-bedroom property
• £37,000 for a three-bedroom property
• £20,000 for a one-bedroom property

Legal and professional fees will also be covered.

This deal replaces earlier compulsory purchase proposals, which had offered valuations including RAAC and covered disturbance costs, moving assistance, and legal fees. However, those terms left some residents facing potential losses of up to £60,000.

A council spokesperson said: “Aberdeen City Council has appointed a contractor to carry out planned work at RAAC-affected properties in Balnagask. Removal of internal materials will start on Monday, December 8. Additional security, including fencing, will be put in place.”