Businesses cordoned off in Wellington may be able to reopen sooner than planned, as the demolition of the Reading Cinemas carpark is slightly ahead of schedule.
A vehcile pulled from the wreckage of the Reading carpark building, which is under-demolition. Photo: RNZ / Michael Cropp
The parking building, near Courtenay Place, was found to have structural damage after November's 7.8 magnitude earthquake.
Wellington City Council says the demolition team is making good progress and the building should now be down in early March.
The council's site manager, Phil Becker, said that meant some businesses at the northern edge of the Tory Street cordon would hopefully be able to reopen within a couple of weeks, subject to an engineers' approval.
Two cars trapped inside the carpark building were badly damaged when they were removed during the demolition last week. Mr Becker said another seven remained inside.