Demolition starts on City Hotel

SCOTT HAMMOND/FAIRFAX NZ

WORK STARTS: Containers go into High St as the demolition of the City Hotel starts.

Demolition has started on the old City Hotel building in central Blenheim.

The building, which stretches between High St and Wynen St, is deemed an earthquake risk and owner Rob Anderson has opted to demolish it.

The demolition is complicated by the need to shore up the walls shared with neighbouring buildings.

Large containers have been put outside the building on the street to ensure public safety.

Anderson said that he was "still looking at lots of options" for the former hotel's site.

He has described the area as a potential "golden mile", because of the Marlborough District Council's proposal to move Blenheim's library down to the riverside area.

"I think it will be interesting if the council decide they're going to have a look at that area of town," Anderson said.

"There's a lot more activity in that area of town for further development outside what the council is doing, a lot. It could be a positive catalyst for change."

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Demolition starts on City Hotel