Demolition delays reopening of port shops

MARC GREENHILL

Last updated 05:00 20/04/2011

 

 

Lyttelton shops blocked by demolition work are unlikely to reopen this week, a business association says.

It originally was hoped the shops could reopen by Easter.

However, work was continuing on earthquake-damaged buildings. No6 Cafe was demolished on Monday, while demolition work on two buildings – the Harbour Light and the Empire Hotel – started yesterday.

Lyttelton Harbour Business Association chairman Andrew Turner was not concerned yesterday's deadline had passed without the work being finished.

"That clearly hasn't happened, but I'm quite comfortable that work is going on at a reasonable rate. It's good to now see that work happening after talking about it for a long time," he said.

Turner had hoped some businesses would reopen before this weekend.

"I'd imagine, realistically, it'll be into next week before that can happen," he said.

Contractors demolishing the Empire Hotel found a March 1966 issue of The Press, featuring an article about quake damage in Gisborne.

"Gisborne Shops Hit By Quake: Heaviest Damage Since 1931," the headline read.

The demolition of the port town's Albion building also started yesterday.