The following comments can be attributed to Director Planning, Design and Development Gareth Smith:
How has the Belcher’s Corner demolition progressed since it began a few weeks ago?
The works program is going to plan. Preliminary structural shoring and bracing has been carried out, to facilitate the safe demolition of the building. Work has also begun on stripping out internal linings.
What will the focus of the demolition be in the coming weeks?
Continuing to strip out all the linings and shoring and bracing the building.
How many people are working onsite at the moment?
There is a dedicated team of experienced professionals on site, including scaffolders, steel fabricators and other suppliers. About 30 workers will be required over the course of the project.
How many tonnes of rubble has been removed from the site so far?
The soft linings and general strip out have begun and will continue until the structural shell remains. We expect about 800 tonnes of material in total will be removed from the site.
What changes to traffic flow have been made in the areas surrounding Belcher’s Corner to prevent the build-up of traffic?
A traffic management plan was developed and approved, in consultation with Vic Roads and other affected parties. We have extended turning times onto adjoining streets to better allow traffic to move through the area. The closure of the right-hand turning lane into Moorabool Street from Ryrie Street was instigated to support through traffic at the intersection.
