FAQs

Repurposing the existing facility would require significant strengthening and retrofitting to meet current building and safety standards, which would come at a substantial cost. This approach is not considered feasible. It would be more cost-effective and practical to either find an alternative building in better condition or construct a new facility designed to meet the community’s needs.

For now, the area will be reinstated as green space within King Edward Park. Any proposed development of the space would undergo community consultation, likely as part of another Long Term Plan process, ensuring the public has input on any future plans.

Usable equipment and pool fittings will be assessed by the demolition contractor for potential reuse, recycling, or donation where possible. Items that cannot be repurposed will be responsibly disposed of in accordance with environmental and waste management regulations.

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the material that can be reused or repurposed, you can contact Jurgens Demolition directly on the below contact details:

Grant Mantle
Operations Manager
Mobile: 021 224 0815
Email: grant@jurgensdemolition.co.nz

It’s standard practice for demolition contractors to take over ownership of the recovered materials and equipment once they’re removed from site. Because they’re able to resell and reuse these materials, it helps to keep the cost of demolition down, which provides better value to our ratepayers.

If council were to set up a fair and safe system for ratepayers to take building materials for free, it would take a lot longer, use more council resources, and make the demolition process more expensive.

Planning a picnic? The reinstatement of the area back to green space will take a bit longer than the demo work itself. This process will involve site preparation, soil stabilisation, and grass planting. Depending on weather conditions and grass growth, the space should be available for public use within a few months after demolition. 

Yes, to ensure your health and safety some access surrounding the old facility will be limited during demolition. 

This includes the walking swing bridge connecting Fenton Street with the facility/Page Street children's playground.

There may be other temporary restrictions for public safety during certain stages of the demolition. Any affected walking tracks will be clearly signposted, and alternative routes will be provided where possible.

An initial asbestos report was completed in 2024 and no asbestos was found on site at that time. 

However, during the demolition works in February, below ground asbestos was discovered, which had not been identified in the initial asbestos report. The initial report only covered above ground infrastructure, and no asbestos was found in that part of the site. The recently discovered asbestos is in the form of a 50m+ asbestos pipe, is non-friable (Class B), meaning it is in a stable form and poses minimal risk unless disturbed.

The asbestos is being handled by a Class B licensed asbestos removalist, in full compliance with the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016. The asbestos has been securely contained on-site, and all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of workers and the public.

The discovery has temporarily paused work in the immediate area where the asbestos was found, but demolition work is continuing in other parts of the site. While this discovery may cause a slight delay in the project timeline, we are working to manage the situation efficiently and minimise any impact. At this stage we do not anticipate extending the project timeline. 

Since the asbestos is undisturbed and has not been exposed to conditions that could release fibres into the air (such as construction activities), soil testing may not be required immediately. Regular monitoring and assessment will continue throughout the project to ensure that the asbestos remains undisturbed. If any changes occur in the condition of the site that could lead to the disturbance of asbestos, immediate action will be taken, which may include soil testing, air monitoring, or further containment efforts.

We'll provide updates if the situation changes.

Pop your question on this page here, and we'll respond as soon as practical. Alternatively you can give us a call on 06 765 6099 or email StratfordDC@Stratford.govt.nz