In 2024, the Southern Demolition & Salvage team travelled north to Upper Hutt, Wellington, to undertake the careful deconstruction of the historic Trentham Grandstand at Trentham Racecourse. Originally constructed in 1924, the iconic cantilevered grandstand had stood proudly for a century, serving generations of racegoers and becoming a significant local landmark. Given its historical significance and prominent location within the racecourse, the project required detailed planning, close collaboration between contractors, and a carefully managed demolition approach.

The project brought together the expertise of several specialist contractors to ensure each stage of the works was completed safely and efficiently. Asbestos removal was undertaken by TechClean & Restoration, providing a safe environment for the demolition works to proceed. Ward Demolition completed the comprehensive interior strip-out, removing fixtures, fittings, and internal materials before Southern Demolition & Salvage commenced the external demolition phase using our high-reach excavator and experienced demolition crew.

Our scope of work involved the safe and controlled demolition of the reinforced concrete and structural steel grandstand, with particular attention paid to maintaining safety within the active racecourse environment and protecting nearby infrastructure. Careful sequencing of the demolition works allowed the structure to be dismantled methodically while minimising disruption to surrounding facilities.

In keeping with our commitment to sustainable demolition practices, significant effort was made to recover and salvage reusable materials wherever possible. Structural steel and other recyclable materials were separated for reuse, while concrete generated during demolition was processed on site and prepared for recycling, reducing the volume of waste sent to landfill and minimising the environmental impact of the project.

Completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule, the Trentham Grandstand project showcased Southern Demolition & Salvage’s ability to deliver large-scale, technically challenging demolition works while balancing heritage considerations, environmental responsibility, and the highest standards of safety. Through careful planning, specialist equipment, and a collaborative approach, the successful removal of this 100-year-old landmark marked the end of an important chapter in the history of Trentham Racecourse while preparing the site for its future use.