Asbestos is in the process of being removed from the Old Featherston Courthouse after a “tentative tenant” inquired about installing new floors.
Due to its age, the vinyl and carpet inside the building at 72 Fitzherbert St was tested for asbestos, according to a South Wairarapa District Council [SWDC] spokesperson, who said the test “came back positive.”
SWDC has now contracted Accredited Asbestos Specialists NZ to remove it and the work is expected to be completed in two weeks.
“The works are funded from our rental properties; the indicative cost for the asbestos removal is $27,000 plus GST due to the specialist nature of the work,” the spokesperson said.
“Quotes for the flooring are to be confirmed.”
Once the removal is complete, the courthouse will be refurbished with new vinyl and carpet, and then it will be advertised for lease.
The courthouse itself is listed as a category two historic place, a designation that does not affect the works as there will be “no structural changes” and “any fixtures that need to be removed will be reinstalled”.
SWDC also wishes to advise people that the area around vthe building will be taped off with signs advising the public that asbestos removal is happening.
