Demolition of rowing club building in Acacia Bay

It was the end of an era as the old shed formerly used by the Rowing Club on Tupara Road was demolished today (24 February).

The building, which was leased to the rowing club in the time of the County Council, was actually sited on public road, so its removal was necessary to ensure public access to the lake was retained.

Group Manager, Gareth Green said although the rowing club moved out two years ago, Council only recently got the lease back and so were able to progress the plans for the road. Due to the delay, a group of people took the opportunity to move into the shed.

“It has taken some time to work through a number of issues with the group who had moved into the vacant shed and there was only one family still on the property this morning,” said Mr Green.

Council Officers spent the morning helping them to vacate the building before the demolition could be undertaken. “They were given time to remove their belongings and shift before the demolition crew moved in, and in the main they did so amicably,” said Mr Green.

One person was arrested by police.

The building has now been demolished and Council will tidy the area up and grade the road.