Asbestos at Blair Tennent Hall site
A pipe surrounded by asbestos was uncovered during the demolition of Palmerston North’s Blair Tennent Hall.
Demolition work began last month on the Fitzherbert Ave building, a former student hostel, which was deemed a health and safety risk after an arson attack in November.
The building is one of eight Manawatu properties managed by Land Information New Zealand that will be transferred to Rangitaane o Manawatu over the next two years as part of a Treaty of Waitangi settlement.
Crown property chief executive Jerome Sheppard said the majority of the building had already been demolished when the asbestos was found.
Asbestos warning signs are up at the demolition site.
‘‘We are assessing the removal of a pipe that has asbestos material around it. We’ll be ensuring the asbestos is removed in the best and most appropriate way possible.’’
Sheppard said the removal of the pipe, and the asbestos around it, was not expected to significantly delay the demolition work, which was set to be completed next month.
Worksafe New Zealand spokeswoman Emma Reilly said an independent tradesperson or licensed assessor needed to check the asbestos was completely removed before demolition could continue.
Rangitaane will take full ownership of the site shortly after it is cleared.
Rangitaane Settlement Trust chairwoman Danielle Harris said it wouldn’t be long before the iwi could do something with the property.
‘‘I just drove past [on Thursday] and it’s pretty much flattened. That’s really pleasing.’’
The iwi had a few ideas for the site, which would benefit both Rangitaane and the city, but nothing was locked in yet, she said.