Contractors were seen at the New World Centre City site on Monday and again yesterday demolishing part of the Oamaru House building, a volunteer-run facility that provided affordable accommodation for patients of Dunedin Hospital and their families, particularly those based rurally.
The Otago Daily Times reported in May last year the supermarket giant planned to knock down the building and the now-demolished This’N’That store in Great King St to make way for a new underground exit ramp and more carparks.
A Foodstuffs South Island spokesperson said deconstruction of Oamaru House started last month.
That work was expected to be finished about mid-September.
"We’re making more room so it’s easier for customers to get in, park and get on with their grocery shop.
"Anyone who’s been through New World Centre City at busy times will know parking can get tight, so this is about making things better for customers."
The expanded carpark was on track to be finished by December, subject to final building consents from the Dunedin City Council.
All required demolition permits were approved in October last year, the spokesperson said.
