Landmark disappears from sight

THE demolition of the landmark 10 Murray St building in Hobart is on track to be completed by the end of June as it disappears from the streetscape one floor at a time.

Hazell Bros managing director Geoffrey Hazell said preparation for the demolition began in October and was continuing on schedule.

“Following the disconnection of building services, removal of plant and salvageable items and erection of a tower crane on Murray St, structural demolition started in January,” Mr Hazell said.

“The project required three excavators to be craned to the top of the 17-storey building to allow demolition one floor at a time.

“The excavators are working on the fifth floor.”

Mr Hazell said demolition of the building was the biggest demolition job in Tasmania.

When the demolition was announced in 2009, a Supreme Court appeal was launched to save the building and an online petition started.

The long-running campaign was on the grounds the building is a landmark example of 20th century architecture.

Mr Hazell said the company had employed an extra 50 people since Christmas because of growth of the state’s construction industry.

State Growth Minister Peter Gutwein said the Murray St development had demonstrated the strength of Tasmania’s economy.