November 25, 2014
Big bang for unwanted cop shop
There will be a spectacular end to one of Ngai Tahu’s earliest and most high profile investments.
Ngai Tahu Property has decided the former Christchurch police station it picked up as part of the tribe’s treaty settlement will be demolished by implosion early next year.
The 13-storey Hereford St building survived the Christchurch earthquakes but police decided to move out anyway because of concerns another major earthquake could cut essential services.
Ngai Tahu investment general manager Ian Dewar says the age of the building and the cost of repairs means it was not worth fixing and finding another tenant.
Implosion by explosives was faster, cheaper, and less disruptive for neighbours and traffic than conventional demolition.
Contractors are clearing asbestos from the building in preparation for the demolition.
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