The 100-year-old grandstand at Christchurch’s Riccarton Park Racecourse was demolished after sustaining significant structural damage during the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes. Known as the GNS Stand, the building held considerable historical and heritage significance within the Canterbury racing community. Due to its heritage status, demolition could only proceed after obtaining the necessary demolition consent from the Christchurch City Council, with careful planning required to ensure all consent conditions were met.

Southern Demolition was engaged as the principal demolition contractor and developed a comprehensive Demolition Management Plan that detailed every stage of the works, including demolition methodology, environmental controls, health and safety procedures, waste management, heritage salvage, and stakeholder communication. The project scope included licensed asbestos removal, complete demolition of the grandstand down to slab level, and the on-site crushing and recycling of all concrete materials for future reuse.

One of the project’s most significant challenges was maintaining uninterrupted operations at Riccarton Park throughout the demolition programme. As the Canterbury Jockey Club continued its regular racing calendar and daily horse training activities, Southern Demolition carefully coordinated work schedules to avoid disruption. Demolition activities were planned around early morning training sessions, while specialised demolition techniques and approved noise mitigation measures were implemented to minimise impacts on horses, trainers, race officials, and visitors.

Given the racecourse’s location within a residential area, environmental management was a critical component of the project. Comprehensive dust suppression systems were employed throughout the demolition, including Boix water cannons, high-reach high-pressure water (HPW) dust suppression systems, and continuous monitoring to ensure dust emissions remained well controlled. These measures protected neighbouring properties, racecourse operations, and the surrounding environment while maintaining compliance with consent conditions.

In keeping with the heritage requirements of the demolition consent, a number of historically significant architectural features and heritage items were carefully identified, documented, and salvaged before demolition commenced. This ensured important elements of the grandstand’s history were preserved for future use or display.

Sustainability was also a key focus of the project. Rather than transporting demolition waste off-site, Southern Demolition processed and crushed all concrete on-site, producing high-quality recycled aggregate. This material was then reused to construct compliant compacted hardstand areas and event pads for future racecourse activities, significantly reducing waste sent to landfill, minimising transport movements, and delivering both environmental and cost benefits to the client.

Through detailed planning, close collaboration with stakeholders, and the implementation of robust environmental and safety controls, Southern Demolition successfully delivered the project while preserving heritage requirements, maintaining uninterrupted racecourse operations, and maximising the reuse of demolition materials.

Check out this video from BRODS Photography of the demolition.