VIDEO: Molesworth demolition
Demo of Rich Lister's 10-story office tower finally underway.
The demolition of the office building at 61 Molesworth St, Wellington is finally underway after being delayed yesterday by high winds.
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The council has taken over management of the site from its owner, NBR Rich Lister Eyal Aharoni, so demolition can happen as quickly as possible.
It says costs for the demolition will be recovered from Mr Aharoni's Prime Property Group and its insurance company.
The council says the process of "deconstructing" the building will start with the first storey.
An 85-tonne crane will be brought in to "basically chew the building to bits" over the following days.
The council says the demolition could be completed in two weeks, but an expert interviewed by NBR is dubious.
The initial focus will be on the facade which is prone to collapse, the council says, with longer taken to remove the rest of the 10-story office tower.
Damage to 61 Molesworth St (formerly Deloitte House) during the Kaikoura quake caused the evacuations of neighbouring premises, including the Red Cross, the National Library and the Thai Embassy, which will remain closed until the demolition is completed.
Demolition gawkers should note the building contains asbestos but Wellington City Council says the hazardous material is "contained".
Mr Aharoni has refused NBR's interview requests.
The Courtenay Central car park is also scheduled for demolition, while Ryman Health says it will rebuild the 40-apartment Malvina Major Retirement Village in Khandallah.
Part of the Queensgate Mall in Lower Hutt will also be demolished.
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VIDEO: Molesworth demolition
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