Old Polytech buildings to be cleared for car park

Buildings on the old polytech site have been marked for demolition after failing to find a new home.

Earlier this year the Ashburton District Council decided to relocate or demolish the buildings to redevelop the site at Cameron Street as an unsealed gravel car park for $1.6 million.

After failing to secure offers, the council offered community groups a chance to buy the three older prefab classrooms for $1 each but would have had to pay to relocate them by March 14.

Chief executive  Hamish Riach said two tenders were received for the prefab buildings which were discussed behind closed doors at the December 4 council meeting.

“One group withdrew their tender prior to the council meeting.

“Council decided not to proceed with the other tender and instead resolved to demolish the prefab buildings.

“Council is currently developing the programme for the demolition of the buildings on the former Old Polytech site and the creation of the carpark which is likely to take place in 2025.”

That demolition programme includes the two-storey buildings.

The decision to demolish the old classrooms completes the sale process of all the buildings he said.

The Mid Canterbury Rugby Union bought the former council chambers for $130,000 +GST, and Talley’s bought the former staff tearooms for $30,000 +GST.

The old public library was sold to CBR properties for $1.1m, who unveiled plans to redevelop the building into a boutique hotel – called the Library Hotel.

The old council administration building has also been sold, but the details won’t be revealed until the settlement date in the New Year.

The sale buildings will offset the $62.1m build cost of the new library and civic centre, Te Whare Whakatere, which also received $20m from the Government’s shovel-ready infrastructure programme.

Its construction also included the demolition of the 87-year-old building red brick building at 255 Havelock Street which was replaced with car parks for Te Whare Whakatere.

By Jonathan Leask