Managing asbestos safely
Asbestos is a hazardous material that's historically (and commonly) found in older buildings and its removal is highly regulated. In line with Victorian Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations, the work will be managed by a Class A licensed asbestos removal specialist approved and licensed by WorkSafe Victoria. An independent environmental consultant will oversee the removal process to ensure compliance with all safety regulations.
What to expect during removal
To ensure safe removal of hazardous materials, strict safety measures agreed by the safety regulator, WorkSafe, will be implemented, including:
- Only authorised personnel wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) will access the removal areas.
- Strict decontamination procedures will be in place.
- Asbestos will be sprayed with water or PVA prior to removal to minimise the potential of airborne fibres.
- Work will be carried out in a contained environment and disposal trucks will be double-lined and sealed before leaving the site.
The much-loved clocktower chimes will be temporarily switched off during these works. The clock and the chimes will be restored as part of the broader redevelopment project to preserve them for future generations.
Timeline of works
Asbestos removal is scheduled to commence on 14 January 2025. To minimise any delays, some redevelopment activities will continue concurrently.
Preserving for future generations
The restoration of South Melbourne Town Hall is a careful and thorough process. In addition to conserving its historical features, we are addressing issues such as the safe removal of asbestos and structural repairs to ensure the building's integrity for years to come. This redevelopment represents our commitment to preserving iconic landmarks for generations to come.
Stay informed
Visit our project webpage for updates and FAQs.
For any enquiries, please contact us:
Phone: 03 9209 6777
We will share further news updates as the project continues. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience and understanding during this important phase of the restoration.
