Daly Street demolition - Work getting underway

Demolition work is about to begin on the buildings at 4 and 5 Daly Street, marking a significant milestone in Greater Wellington’s efforts to upgrade flood protection for central Lower Hutt as part of Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi.

These works will clear the way for a new, modern stopbank designed to safeguard thousands of homes and businesses from a 1‑in‑440‑year flood event. The current flood risk threatens more than 3,000 homes, five schools, 600 businesses, and could result in billions of dollars in damages if left unaddressed.

Strip‑out began at 4 Daly Street last October followed by work at 5 Daly Street in the New Year. These preparatory steps ensured all hazardous materials were safely removed and the buildings are ready for full structural demolition.

The demolition itself will be delivered in two stages:

Stage 1 involves removing the deck and balcony at 5 Daly Street to create safe access for further works. This phase is expected to take around three days.

Stage 2 covers the main building demolition at both 4 and 5 Daly Street, using specialist heavy machinery—including 14‑, 20‑, and 30‑tonne excavators—to methodically deconstruct the structures from top to bottom. This stage is expected to take three to four weeks.

Environmental management is a major focus throughout the activity. The site will be fully fenced, and erosion and sediment controls will be in place, including geofabric drain covers and regular inspections of stormwater protection, particularly after heavy rain.

Noise barriers will also be installed along key boundaries to reduce disruption to neighbouring properties and businesses. All demolition waste will be sorted onsite, with concrete sent for recycling at Manor Park, and steel separated and transported for reuse. Residual waste will go to Silverstream Landfill.

Pedestrians and cyclist safety remains a priority. As demolition progresses, fencing and wayfinding will guide them safely around the site. Any temporary access changes will be communicated ahead of time, and efforts will be made to minimise impacts on nearby activity.
Once the buildings are down and the site is cleared, we’ll be ready to move into the next phase: preparing the area for the construction of the new Daly Street stopbank. This will be one of the key features of the upgraded flood protection system running through the central city.

Greater Wellington will continue to provide updates as works progress, and we thank residents, businesses, and visitors for their patience and cooperation during this important stage of the project.

To find out more:

• Email us: info@teawakairangi.co.nz

• Facebook:   Delivering RiverLink | Te Awa Kairangi

Your questions answered:

Why are the buildings at 4 and 5 Daly Street being demolished?

The buildings are being removed to make way for a new stopbank that will provide significantly improved flood protection for central Lower Hutt.
This work is part of Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi, Greater Wellington’s multi‑year programme to upgrade flood defences along the Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River corridor and protect the city from a 1‑in‑440‑year flood event.

Who is carrying out the demolition?

The demolition is being delivered by Ceres New Zealand, an experienced demolition contractor engaged by Greater Wellington. Their work follows a detailed, approved demolition methodology.

When will demolition start, and how long will it take?

The programme at 4 & 5 Daly Street includes:

• Stage 1 demolition (balcony and deck at 5 Daly Street): around 3 days
• Stage 2 demolition (main buildings at 4 & 5 Daly Street): around 3–4 weeks

Timing may be adjusted due to weather, safety, or operational needs.

How will dust, debris, and runoff be controlled?

The contractor will use several environmental and safety measures, including:

• Geofabric drain covers and sediment controls to stop material entering stormwater drains
• Noise barriers along key boundaries to minimise disruption
• Controlled demolition methods to ensure debris stays within the site boundary
• Regular inspections and replacement of environmental controls, especially after rain events

Will the demolition be noisy?

Some noise is unavoidable during demolition, but several mitigation measures will be used, including noise barriers and restricted operating hours. Work is planned to minimise disruption to nearby residents and businesses where possible.

Will footpaths, roads, or accessways be closed?

Temporary closures may be required for safety, particularly around the demolition zone.
Where closures are needed, impacts will be communicated in advance, and alternative access will be provided where possible.

How will waste and materials be handled?

Materials are sorted and processed responsibly:

• Concrete waste is sent to Manor Park for recycling
• Reusable items are salvaged where possible
• Residual waste is taken to Silverstream Landfill
• Steel is cut into manageable pieces and sent for recycling

What equipment will be used on site?

Demolition will involve a combination of heavy machinery, including 30‑tonne, 20‑tonne, 14‑tonne and 3‑tonne excavators, a bobcat, a knuckle boom, and transport trucks, as outlined in the approved methodology.

Is the site safe for the public?

Yes. The demolition site is fully fenced, monitored, and managed under strict health and safety procedures.
All services (power, data, gas, and water) are disconnected or isolated before work begins.

How does this demolition fit into the wider Te Wai Takamori project?

Removing these buildings is an essential early step in constructing a new, higher, and more resilient stopbank to protect central Lower Hutt.
The broader project includes upgrades along the river corridor to reduce flood risk, support future urban development, and create safer, more accessible river environments.

What happens after the buildings are demolished?

Once demolition and site clearance are completed, the area will be prepared for the construction of the new stopbank. Ground conditions, slab removal, and site reinstatement will be completed as required by Greater Wellington.

Who can I contact for more information?

• General enquiries: info@teawakairangi.co.nz
• Facebook:   Delivering RiverLink | Te Awa Kairangi