Asbestos removed: Options for CBD buildings to be reviewed

Monday, 1 July 2024

Asbestos removal in the buildings from 101-107 Stafford St has been completed.

They were set to be demolished earlier this year, but the discovery of asbestos in a row of buildings in central Timaru delayed those plans. And now, it appears those plans are not so certain.

Timaru District Holdings Ltd (TDHL) chairperson Frazer Munro said work to remove asbestos from the buildings at 101-107 Stafford St had been completed.

TDHL first confirmed its plan to demolish the buildings from 101-107 Stafford St in September 2023, with chairperson Mark Rogers describing them as “likely earthquake prone” at the time.

Demolition was expected to commence in February, and a temporary green space created on the site. However, the discovery of asbestos set those plans back.

A rendered image of what the green space might look like once the buildings on Timaru’s Stafford St are demolished.

Asked whether they were any closer to demolition or if there was any further update for the community, Munro said: “We will review options over the next couple of months before the next stage.”

In April, heritage group Majestic Timaru hoped the discovery the Majestic Theatre could house the country’s oldest purpose built picture theatre may help save it.

Speaking at the time, group member Nigel Gilkison said it had been assumed the Lyceum, Timaru’s cinema built in 1911, had come down when the Majestic was built in 1929 — but it had actually been retained and extended.

“The Lyceum is still there forming the main auditorium of the Majestic which would make it the oldest cinema in the country.

The buildings set for demolition include the former Majestic Theatre, centre. The bluestone building to the right of the theatre will not be demolished.

“That accolade is currently held by the Victoria Theatre in Devonport which opened on October 26, 1912, 15 months after the Lyceum,” Gilkison said, at the time.

TDHL bought the properties from 101-123 Stafford St, opposite the Theatre Royal and a planned heritage hub, in September 2018 for $1.7m.

They include the former National Mortgage & Agency House, the former Union Bank of Australia, the Majestic Theatre, and buildings between that and the Gladstone Board of Works Building.

The demolition plans announced in 2023, did not include the National Mortgage & Agency House or the former Union Bank of Australia which are located from 117-123 Stafford St.

The former Union Bank of Australia building, made of Timaru bluestone, was completed in 1877 and unlisted but proposed to be Category B listed as part of the Proposed District Plan.

In April, Munro confirmed TDHL’s plans to give the building a makeover which would include earthquake strengthening, re-roofing and refurbishment of the first floor to include office spaces.

Historic photographs of the streetscape have been used to dress the windows of the former Union Bank building on Stafford St.

He also confirmed the holdings company would have an office in the building.

Appearing at the Timaru District Council’s meeting on Monday, to give the quarterly report for the council controlled trading organisation, Rogers said construction contracts for the renovation work had been issued.

The building at 123 Stafford St, which sits next to the former Union Bank building, is being maintained.