Workhaltedby asbestos
Asbestos has been found embedded in concrete at the site of Waikanae’s troubled $1.7 million park and ride facility.
Greater Wellington Regional Council’s construction of the planned 240-park facility, on the old Waikanae Hotel site, has been delayed by the discovery.
Public transport acting general manager Angus Gabara said that despite piles of broken concrete at the site, there was no danger, and samples were being tested.
‘‘We’re following the industry protocols for dealing with asbestos on a construction site ... safely removing and disposing of asbestos takes extra time.’’
The long-delayed facility would now open in stages - half the parks would open to the public in November, with the rest opening in January.
The regional council said in August that the car park would open before Christmas, after previous delays in the project.
It is not the first time asbestos has been found on the site.
Last year the Waikanae Hotel was found to contain it during demolition.
Asbestos in the insulation, ceiling panels, roof panels and pipes was removed and disposed of by a contractor, which took about four weeks.
Kapiti regional councillor Nigel Wilson said the delays to the project could not be predicted.
‘‘Some of these things you just grin and bear it. When you pick apart pieces of land you’re never sure what you’re going to find.’’
Wilson said he was unaware of the latest asbestos finding.
Council rail operations manager Barry Fryer presented car park plans to a Waikanae Community Board meeting on Tuesday night.
The plans featured a pedestrian ramp on the northern side of the car park, and a large pohutukawa tree on the car park’s southern side, which would be retained.
A concrete parking pad the equivalent of two parking spaces would be constructed and leased to a mobile barber shop that had previously used the land.
‘‘The mobile hairdresser has been using the site for the past 18 years and wanted to continue,’’ Gabara said.
He said council leased other buildings and kiosks to businesses across the rail network. The car park would be fitted with power and water.
It could be used for community events like markets on weekends and public holidays, Gabara said.