Wind delays demolition of 61 Molesworth Street

The 85-ton excavator at work on the demolition of 61 Molesworth Street, on 28 November 2016. Photo / Mark Mitchell.

Temperamental spring weather is causing delays to the demolition of Wellington's quake-hit 61 Molesworth St.

Demolition has begun, but has missed the two-week deadline for completion.

Part of arterial route Molesworth St remains closed until the demolition has progressed further.

Wellington City Council building consents and compliance manager Mike Scott said the building would still be demolished by Christmas, and hopes to fix traffic issues by next week.

"Obviously the weather has been very up and down. Late spring in Wellington is never a good time.

"But be that as it may, we're anticipating being in a position to reopen Molesworth St to one lane by Thursday next week so Rugby New Zealand and the Thai Embassy could go back into their buildings."

Wellington's notorious wind was the biggest part of the delays. Loose items like insulation could be difficult to control at eight storeys up on a windy day.

Safety had to come first, Scott said, and there was also the need to take precautions with key infrastructure in the area.

"It's all about due diligence. A sewer main runs under the building," Scott said.

"It's not good practice to start tearing into buildings and not consider the infrastructure in the area.

"But the absolute drive for everybody is getting the owners in surrounding buildings all back in before Christmas."