Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Hotel Grand Chancellor demolition complete

Updated at 5:38 pm on 8 May 2012

The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority says one of Christchurch's most dangerous and difficult demolitions has been achieved with the removal of the Hotel Grand Chancellor's final section.

The central city hotel was badly damaged in the February 2011 earthquake.

Demolition of the 28-storey building began in November last year and the authority says the last five-storey section came down on Monday.

The authority has previously described the job as the most challenging demolition project in the world.

A Fletcher Construction employee was working between the 23rd and 24th floors of the hotel in January this year when he fell, suffering a broken neck and serious head injuries.

The authority says the remaining rubble will be processed and ground down to gravel. All work should be completed in three weeks.

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