Work to begin on removing toxic mould at Invercargill's Rugby Park

Progress is being made towards the removal of toxic mould at Rugby Park, despite delays due to structural concerns and the COVID-19 lockdown.

In February, Invercargill City Council resolved to undertake work to remove the mould, retest the environment, and complete restoration work, which would enable Rugby Southland staff and Rugby Southland Supporters Club to use the facility again.

Advising that work had not yet been able to begin because of safety concerns relating to the bleachers above the space, Invercargill City Council Chief Executive, Clare Hadley stated during the week "questions were raised by structural engineering firm Kensington Consulting about the safety of contractors working beneath the bleachers. It was confirmed that working under the building should be for short periods of time only to minimise risk, and that bracing would preferably be installed."

Hadley advised that delays due to these concerns, and the COVID-19 lockdown, meant progress on establishing a safe work site could not be made until mid-May, noting “we have since engaged an engineering firm to fabricate temporary steel bracing, which will enable decontamination specialists to safely enter the area and undertake the work required."

Hadley said the Supporters Club had been kept up-to-date throughout the process, adding “the bracing will be installed later this month, and the mould is expected to be removed in the first week of August. Samples will then be sent for testing, and if results are favourable, it is hoped the rooms may be occupied once more by the end of August."

It is anticipated that these works will cost approximately $100,000.