Steel that was once a ladder and walkway over a century ago will now be removed from the Cambridge Water Tower, as it has deteriorated significantly and is a danger to the public.
Waipā District Council will start work on Wednesday, December 4 to remove the highly corroded steel at the top of the historic water tower, but this will not impact the future of the structure.
Property services manager David Varcoe said Waipā residents should rest assured that this work is simply to remove the steel, which is a health and safety risk as it could fall and hit people or property below.
The work is expected to be completed in a week, but may take longer depending on weather.
The removal of the corroded steel forms part of the consent that was obtained in 2022 for the removal of the water tank at the top of the tower.
Council will also undertake some internal sampling and testing of the bricks and mortar to help establish the tower’s current load carrying capacity for the new Detailed Seismic Assessment, which will help the council make a decision on its future.
“We are still investigating a new and more affordable way to strengthen and preserve the tower,” said Varcoe.
The new technologies being explored could potentially strengthen the structure for approximately $2 million, but the final fate of the tower may rest on the outcome of the seismic assessment as well as preliminary design work due to be completed early next year
Once all the information is finalised and reviewed, the council will make a decision to either demolish or retain the water tower.
