Hospital block comes down

Demolition of the former Napier Hospital clinical services building is expected to take about five month

Work has begun on the the slow job of demolishing the derelict tower block that was once Napier Hospital's clinical services building.

The hill-top former hospital site will be cleared over the next several months to make way for a new residential subdivision, including twin eight-storey apartment towers.

Todd Property Group was granted planning permission last December to build the two 28.5 metre-tall residential high-rises on the prominent hospital site the company bought in 2011.

Each of the twin residential towers will have 18 apartments. One will house a ground-floor public cafe and the other will have a gym for apartment residents.

The company was previously given consent to build an eight-lot subdivision and refurbish the former Arohaina Maternity Ward into 26 residential apartments on the other end of the 5 hectare site.

Todd Property said the demolition work was being carried out by a contractor using a 68-tonne long-reach excavator with a pulveriser head and would involve the concrete structure being "gradually nibbled away from the top down".

Between 4-6 workers are expected to be involved in the demolition process, which will take about five months.

"We know the community has a strong interest in this project, given the historic importance of the site and the buildings to the people of Napier and the Hawke's Bay," Todd Property managing director Evan Davies said.

"We are committed to producing a high-quality development at Napier Hill that reflects its unique nature with its prominent city location and stunning views."

Mr Davies said the company's focus since receiving consent had been on fully clearing the site, including the land at the eastern end where the tower block is located.

This had resulted in a delay starting the Arohaina apartment construction.

"We have already sold a number of sections for standalone homes at Napier Hill and are excited to see that future residents are well under way with their designing and consenting processes," Mr Davies said.

"We have had some interest in Arohaina Apartments, which was due to be the next stage of the development.

However, we have decided to defer construction for the time being and reconsider dates for the project later in the year."