Demolition to begin on the Rutherford Ward, Queen Mary Hospital

An exciting step forward with the demolition of the Rutherford Block begins the transformation of the southern end of the former Queen Mary Hospital site in Hanmer Springs.

The Hurunui District Council purchased the nine hectare site in October 2023 as a legacy project for the benefit of the district at large, funding for the project built into its Long Term Plan.

Christchurch-based company Protranz Earthmoving Ltd will begin demolition works at the end of August. After the area is securely blocked off, within a controlled exclusion zone hazardous materials will be removed in a controlled manner, including previously identified asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paint.

Council’s Product Development Manager Graeme Abbot said the demolition will be carried out in stages to ensure the safety of the adjoining buildings, community and staff at all times.

He added that all works will be undertaken in accordance with the relevant regulatory requirements and approved management plans, and noise and vibration management and dust suppression will be part of the works plan.

“This is a very exciting step forward for the future picture of the South Block, it’s great to finally see this work getting underway,” said Abbot.

Following the safe removal of hazardous materials to appropriate licensed facilities, and structural demolition, some materials will be carefully segregated and assessed for reuse.

Abbot said a big focus of the demolition is on recycling and reusing materials wherever possible, to minimise what goes to landfill and reduce the need for imported landfill.

“The idea is to remove the lead-based paint from concrete and masonry surfaces prior to processing, allowing clean concrete to be crushed and reused on site as engineered backfill, and used for materials beneath future site developments.”

Structural demolition will begin at the end of October, by the end of February the demolition process will be complete, and the land area that did house the Rutherford Ward will be planted out in grass.

Mayor Marie Black said she was delighted that the first stage was about to take shape.

“This marks the beginning of the transformation of this special piece of the district’s history.”

Two public drop-in meetings about the demolition of the Rutherford Ward will be held on Monday 24 August at Hanmer Springs Service Centre and Library, one from 2.30pm to 4pm and one starting at 6pm.