Gore District Council confirmed on Monday it had awarded the contract for demolition of the East Gore treatment building, reservoir and 78-year-old water tower to Christchurch company Southern Demolition.
The almost $6 million, three-month project is due to start at the end of June.
GDC general manager critical services Jason Domigan said the work was the next step to upgrade Gore’s water infrastructure to meet national drinking water standards.
“This phase of work enables us to safely remove ageing assets while preparing the site for modern infrastructure that will meet current and future standards,” Mr Domigan said in a statement.
The site was identified as a health and safety risk in 2022, due to decaying concrete, and being contaminated with asbestos and other material.
“This work requires a high level of care and expertise, and we are working with experienced, licensed contractors to ensure it is carried out safely and in line with all regulatory requirements,” Mr Domigan said.
Gore District Council’s 2025 long-term plan estimated the demolition to cost $5.95 million.
The work programme so far has included pipes being drilled beneath the Mataura River, and the installation of pipelines that carry water from the Jacobstown and Coopers wells to the new East Gore water treatment plant, and then delivered treated water back to the Hilbre Ave site.
After demolition, the site will be cleared and prepared for a new reservoir and associated infrastructure as part of the wider Hilbre Ave redevelopment.
“We will continue to keep nearby residents informed as work progresses, and we appreciate the community’s patience while this important upgrade is undertaken,” Mr Domigan said.
The new reservoir is expected to be completed by May next year. — Allied Media
