Demolition of burned Toomath’s building in Wellington to begin today

Work will begin to demolish the heritage-protected Toomath's building on Wellington's Ghuznee Street after it was gutted by fire just over a week ago. Photo / Wellington City Council

By RNZ

Work to demolish a fire-damaged heritage building in Wellington’s central city begins on Tuesday.

The Toomath’s building on Ghuznee Street had been subject to quake-prone building notices for over 20 years before it was gutted by fire on October 15.

The building sat empty since 2019 and had gradually been overrun by tagging, vines and the detritus of squatters who came and went from the rear of the building off a Cuba Street carpark.

A spokesperson for Wellington City Council said the structure had been stabilised with scaffolding, and a cordon blocking southbound traffic access to Ghuznee Street was lifted on Monday.

The footpath directly in front of the building remained closed for safety reasons.

They said the structural damage to the building was too great to save its distinctive Victorian-era facade.

Council environmental health officers had tested for asbestos and confirmed there was no evidence of asbestos risk in the area.

A demolition team would begin taking the building apart piece by piece from the rear of the site.

The spokesperson said the council thanked local businesses and residents for their patience and understanding.

- RNZ