Demolition underway for quake-damaged Wellington building

After several delays, a high-rise office block at risk of collapse is finally being torn down in Wellington.

The nine-storey building at 61 Molesworth Street was severely damaged in the 7.8 magnitude quake two weeks ago.

It's been ear-marked for demolition ever since, but that's been delayed due to a number of issues including gale force winds over the weekend.

Slow and steady at 61 Molesworth. pic.twitter.com/76Hgy9N92m

— Georgina Campbell (@GeorgeKCampbell) November 27, 2016

Wellington City Council spokesman Mike Scott says with work finally underway this morning, cordons around the building could be reduced within a week.

He says they're keen to get Molesworth Street back open for nearby businesses, and for the Thorndon Fair set down for this Sunday. 

- Newstalk ZB