The redevelopment of the former Hydro Aluminium smelter site near Kurri Kurri has taken a significant step forward, with the first stage of demolition works underway.
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CMA Contracting was appointed principal contractor for the project in April, and commenced works to demolish the smelter infrastructure last week.
The first stage of demolition will include most of the buildings on site and is expected to be completed by late 2018.
But it will could a few more years before the smelter’s iconic chimney stacks disappear from the local skyline.
The stacks and water towers are part of the second stage of demolition and remediation, which is still undergoing assessment for approval.
Buildings with potential for reuse and those storing waste materials, and below-ground infrastructure are also part of the second stage.
Rezoning of the 1900-hectare site is also under assessment.
Hydro has applied to rezone the predominantly-rural site to accommodate about 215 hectares for employment activities, 180 hectares for residential development, and around 1300 hectares for conservation purposes.
Rezoning proposals were endorsed by Cessnock and Maitland councils in 2015 and received gateway approval with conditions in March 2016.
One of the conditions was the requirement for a flood study by Maitland City Council that takes into account the Testers Hollow area.
The flood study is expected to be complete in early 2018, and overall the rezoning process is expected to take up to three years.
The smelter ceased production in November 2012 and was permanently closed 18 months later.
Hydro Kurri Kurri managing director Richard Brown said while the start of demolition was an exciting milestone, it’s still early days.
“A lot of preparation has to go into it … it’s a comprehensive process.”
FEEDBACK
The Hydro project team welcomes feedback and questions from local residents, business owners or other stakeholders.
Phone 1800 066 243, email community.kurri@hydro.com or write to Hydro Aluminium Kurri Kurri, PO Box 1, Kurri Kurri NSW 2327 with our inquiries.
