Video shows complexity of task facing NZ demolition team.
Later today, work will begin in earnest on New Zealand’s largest demolition project; the deconstruction of the Hotel Grand Chancellor.
Like many of its neighbouring buildings, the Grand Chancellor was severely damaged in the February 22 earthquake and has required extensive propping work to allow it to be demolished safely.
The 16-year old hotel has been on a noticeable lean since the 6.3-magnitude quake and there have been fears it could collapse during an aftershock.
Two days ago, as part of a media tour, the Christchurch Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) took a cameraman inside the building for the first time since that propping was completed. And it makes for fascinating viewing.
The camera crew was shocked with what they saw, according to Cera engineer Carl Devereux, who led the dangerous expedition.
He said: “I’ve seen it so many times so it’s nothing new for me, so it was interesting to see the shock and the reactions at the extent of the damage with those guys who came up. The most striking part for them was seeing inside some of the high-level guest rooms, which have been left as-is. You can see the muffin on the table, the full cups of tea, unmade beds, and you can see how frightening it must have been for those people and what they would’ve ridden through.”
Unfortunately, we are unable to embed the video here. But to view this fascinating insight into a quake-damaged building, please click here.
