The ACT Government have announced demolition will begin shortly of 91A Wakefield Gardens to remove the fire-damaged structure and pave the way for the site to be returned to community use.

During the demolition, background air monitoring will be installed around the property, wet decontamination facilities will be placed onsite and exclusion zones will be erected to ensure the work occurs in a controlled and safe way.

Traffic management plans will also be put in place to ensure the safety of site workers and the community during the demolition.

After demolition, the site will be reconnected to the surrounding Wakefield Gardens precinct with landscaping to create a public, open space that maintains the cultural and historical significance of the area.

Minister for the Public Service, Rachel Stephen-Smith said she’s pleased to create a space to bring the Ainslie community together.

“The decision to reconnect the precinct through landscaping reflects the priorities we heard from the community and the site’s cultural and historical significance” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

“Participants in both the ACT Government’s and Mr Emerson’s consultations put forward many ideas for the broader Wakefield Gardens precinct, and I will continue to engage with the community about potential future opportunities.”

Work is expected to start in late August and take three weeks, with subsequent landscaping to take place following engagement with the local community.