Going, going, nearly gone

The facade of the former Hotel South Otago teeters on the brink during the long-standing Balclutha pub's demolition this week.

In June, operator the Clutha Licensing Trust announced a $3 million replacement for the 63-year-old hostelry, known as The Southy.

Yesterday trust general manager Mike Curtis said the presence of asbestos at the site meant the new venue would now open towards the end of next year.

"Both the asbestos removal and the building demolition phases have taken longer than anticipated."

The building superstructure would be gone by the end of the week, but he acknowledged the process was disruptive for neighbours and residents.

"We’ll shout them a drink in the new venue, that’s for sure."