Local company earns the spoils in “New Zealand’s biggest ever demolition project”.
Amidst continuing controversy, speculation and international interest, Fletcher Construction has won the contract to bring down the listing Hotel Grand Chancellor, a building that has become symbolic of the post-quake clean up operation in Christchurch.
The demolition is set to begin in the coming weeks, Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee has announced. “This will be the largest demolition ever carried out in New Zealand,” Brownlee said. The process is expected to take about 10 months, but could take up to a year to complete.
The 26-storey building in central Christchurch sustained significant structural damage in the February 22 quake and has remained on a noticeable lean since the 6.3 magnitude aftershock.
Although details of demolition methods remain scant, reports suggest that the demolition will involve the removal of the upper floors – possibly by crane – before handing over to high reach excavators that will bring the building down to ground level. It is also thought that some reinforcement to the interior of the hotel may be required prior to the commencement of demolition works.
Comments from Fletcher Construction’s demolition manager Adrian Jonkers, suggesting that his company “could not guarantee surrounding buildings would not be damaged in the process” will do little to dispel the growing disquiet and safety concerns of other demolition professionals that have been circling this landmark project.
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