Council building demolition underway

The former Taupo District Council office at 72 Lake Terrace is currently being prepared for demolition. Contractors Ward Demolition are on-site and have started removing windows from the front of the building.

The decision was made to vacate the building following the detection of friable asbestos, the requirement to undertake earthquake strengthening, and some other health and safety issues early last year. The building is being wrapped to allow for the safe removal of the asbestos.

Staff were relocated to various sites throughout the Taupo CBD and 72 Lake Terrace has been vacant since September last year.

Once the demolition is complete, the site will be grassed until a decision on the future site of the council's administration functions is made.

A masterplan is to be developed around the preferred site for a new building by the Great Lake Centre fronting Story Place, and it will include provision for cultural, arts, and heritage facilities to replace Taupo Museum.

The plan will consider what efficiencies can be made and what opportunities can be capitalised on as part of a wider picture on where to establish its main office.

Investigations are expected to be complete mid-year with feedback sought from the community on the options soon after.

9 February 2018.