Contractors working on the demolition of the old Polytech building on Cameron Street are getting ready to move into stage two of the project, now that asbestos has been removed by a specialist team.

The old two-storey classroom block on Cameron Street has been fenced off since August and stage two involves demolishing the building and levelling the area for use as a car park.

Asbestos removal took longer than the 12 weeks originally planned because of an unexpected discovery of more asbestos on site.

Group Manager of Business Support Helen Barnes said asbestos had been identified in the roof cavity, walls and claddings of the old building, which was typical of its era.

“There was asbestos throughout the building, and it took a little longer than planned to safely remove it.

“We’re expecting it to pass a final air clearance test this week and then Greg Donaldson Contracting can move in with their diggers.”

Work to level the section for use as a carpark will happen over the next two months, with a completion date in the new year.

Ms Barnes said the end result would be an off-street parking area that could be used day or night by people working in or using the CBD.