'Risk of collapse': Dunedin Gasworks chimney worse than first thought

RNZ News

13-05-2025

Inspections have found significant localised damage in the upper sections of the chimney.
Photo:
SUPPLIED / DUNEDIN CITY COUNCIL
Part of the country's only gasworks museum is at risk of collapse with work to remove the risk expected to start later this week.
The Dunedin Gasworks Museum was closed last month to assess the safety of its 25-metre high chimney stack after possible earthquake damage.
The Dunedin City Council owns the Category 1 historic place, and said a recent update showed the condition was worse than first thought.
The council's property services group manager Anna Nilsen said detailed inspections had been carried out using drones and crane access.
"These show that in addition to the cracks and movement within the structure we already knew about, there is significant localised damage in the upper sections of the chimney that pose a risk of collapse once we start work," she said.
Dunedin Gasworks in a photo taken about 1880.
Photo:
Dunedin Gasworks Museum
Supports would be installed to secure it and allow contractors to deconstruct it safely while mitigating the risk of an uncontrolled collapse, she said.
"We remain committed to saving as much of the chimney as possible, but it's a complex job and public safety is the top priority."
The council has been working closely with the Dunedin Gasworks Museum Trust