Buildings to be demolished to achieve port goal
PORT Otago has set a goal to be asbestos free within the year, including the likely demolition of two port buildings as well as the Fryatt St sheds.
Port Otago chief executive Kevin Winders spoke at an Otago Regional Council committee meeting yesterday about the goal of reaching the target by June 30, 2019.
The aspiration came after it discovered asbestos at the Fryatt St sheds.
‘‘Once we understood the issues we had with them, we looked through the whole register and found we only really had these three sites.
‘‘If we’re getting in those specialist contractors anyway, it’s just a good business decision.’’
A building on the wharf known as the ‘‘elephant house’’, which had asbestos issues, would ‘‘definitely’’ have to be demolished, Mr Winders said.
The building was already surplus to requirements, so the area could be used for other port operations.
Port Otago also wanted to demolish the 72yearold brick Waterfront Industry Commission building which Mr Winders said was in a ‘‘very poor state of affairs’’.
Community groups which used the space had been moved to other areas of the port, he said.
As it was an historic building, the port was speaking with the community and union about ways to preserve that history, he said.
Another building at the port had asbestos in a strip at roof level, which would be easier to remove and reclad, Mr Winders said.
The port hoped to have its contractor for the $3 million demolition of the Fryatt St sheds sorted within the week.
The intention was to start in September and be finished by early January or February.
The demolition of the other buildings would cost ‘‘significantly less’’ because of their smaller size.
‘‘Hopefully when we sit here in a year’s time there will be no asbestos in the port and that will be a great thing for us.’’
The port also became smoke free in June, he said. ‘‘It’ll be great to not to have to worry about those health risks.’’
Council chairman Stephen Woodhead said ridding the port of asbestos would put it in a ‘‘fantastic position’’.