Demolition work begins at former Hydro Aluminium Kurri Kurri smelter – Cessnock Advertiser

The first stage of demolition work is underway at the former Hydro Aluminium Kurri Kurri smelter.

MOVING FORWARD: Hydro Kurri Kurri managing director Richard Brown and CMA Contracting project manager Mick Lawrence.

The redevelopment of the former Hydro Aluminium smelter site near Kurri Kurri has taken a significant step forward, with the first stage of demolition works underway.

CMA Contracting was appointedprincipal contractor for the project in April, and commenced works to demolish the smelter infrastructure last week.

The first stage of demolition will includemost of the buildings on site and is expected to be completed by late 2018.

But it will could a few more years before the smelters iconic chimney stacks disappear from the localskyline.

The stacks and water towers are part of the second stage of demolition and remediation, which is still undergoing assessment for approval.

Buildings with potential for reuse andthosestoring waste materials, and below-ground infrastructure are also part of the second stage.

The chimney stacks will be part of the second stage of demolition, which is still undergoing assessment.

The chimney stacks and water towers will be part of the second stage of demolition, which is still undergoing assessment.

The chimney stacks will be part of the second stage of demolition, which is still undergoing assessment.

Rezoning of the 1900-hectare site is also under assessment.

Hydro has applied to rezone the predominantly-rural site to accommodateabout215 hectares for employment activities, 180 hectares for residential development, and around 1300 hectares for conservation purposes.

Rezoning proposals were endorsed by Cessnock and Maitland councils in 2015 and received gateway approval with conditions in March 2016.

One of the conditions was the requirement for a flood study by Maitland City Council that takes into account the Testers Hollow area.

The flood study is expected to be complete in early 2018, andoverall the rezoning process is expected to take up to three years.

The smelter ceased production in November 2012 and was permanently closed 18 months later.

Hydro Kurri Kurri managing director Richard Brown saidwhile the start of demolition was an exciting milestone, its still early days.

A lot of preparation has to go into it its a comprehensive process.

An aerial view of the Hydro site. Video: REGROWTH Kurri Kurri

The Hydro project team welcomesfeedback and questions fromlocal residents, business owners or other stakeholders.

Phone1800 066 243, emailcommunity.kurri@hydro.comor write toHydro Aluminium Kurri Kurri, PO Box 1, Kurri Kurri NSW 2327 with our inquiries.

April 28, 2017:Demolition work at Hydro due to start in May

April 12, 2017: Call to move new hospital

August 11, 2016: Hydroprogress on public display

March 29, 2016:Hydroproposal progresses

September27, 2015: New plan for Hydro smelter waste

September 8, 2015:Smelter waste may be recycled, if feasible

August 18, 2015:Ideas sought for tribute to smelter

August 22, 2014:HydroKurri reveals plans for on-site contamination cell

July 2, 2014:Hydroassesses options for site remediation

May 14, 2014:New opportunities for KurriHydrosite

March 12, 2014:KurriHydrosite in prime position

March 12, 2013:Options considered forHydrosite

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Demolition work begins at former Hydro Aluminium Kurri Kurri smelter - Cessnock Advertiser