Queen St back to business as usual

A central Blenheim building damaged in the November quake has been demolished, with businesses in the area now hoping to return to normal.

Cordons have been lifted in Queen St, allowing full access to both pedestrians and vehicles, which had been barred from the area following safety concerns.

Emmah Hall, an employee at nearby Boots ‘n’ All, said while the business had remained open throughout the road closure it had taken a hit financially.

‘‘It killed the street, quite a few people didn’t know we were open,’’ she said.

‘‘Christmas didn’t really hap- pen for us this year because of the works.’’

The road was closed for more than a month after the November 14 earthquake damaged the double-storey building at 39 Queen St.

The owners of the building contracted Crafar Crouch Construction to do the demolition work after the Marlborough District Council deemed the building unsafe and ordered it to be repaired or torn down.

Crafar Crouch Construction manager Mike Winkler said businesses in the street had been very accommodating during the two weeks of demolition.

The team were removing the last of the rubble and cleaning the site for completion by the end of the week, Winkler said.

Foot traffic to Boots ‘n’ All had increased dramatically since the street reopened on Sunday, Hall said.

‘‘I’m glad it could happen safely but I do feel it took too long.

‘‘If this was Market St wouldn’t have taken that long.

‘‘I’m glad we can sort it closer to the new year and start fresh.’’

Pam’s Shop Charitable Trust volunteer Evelyn McLean said it was a relief the street had reopened.

‘‘The takings were down and it was so quiet.

‘‘It was such a lull in the street and we would often close an hour earlier than usual,’’ she said.

‘‘Having foot traffic for people to pop in is huge for us.

‘‘Hopefully we get back to normal, we just have a gaping hole in the street now.’’

The owners of 39 Queen St could not be contacted for comment. it