Exterior physical removal work has begun on a building which launched the careers of local and national musicians for decades in Rotorua.

Most of the Class A asbestos found inside the main auditorium, which has held up demolition plans, has been removed.

On Wednesday, heavy machinery worked in an enclosed security fence to demolish an ante-room which was used as a display area for major exhibitions and local displays over many years.

After weeks of inner activity, despite a report which said it was hoped the interior would be completed for demolition long before now, a partial all clear has been given.

Delays have been unforeseen, for workers had to contemplate the removal of deadly asbestos within the building, clearing it so final demolition would pose no risk to the public or the environment.

The Rotorua Lakes Council has confirmed asbestos has not been entirely removed from the main interior, the venue of many of New Zealand's celebrated musicians over the years.

So prominent was it in its heyday, that the RLC's timeline of work progress (it was hope to have competed the job in May this year) has added to a poster that such groups as The Howard Morrison Quartet and Lou and Simon performed there.

Apart from the acts the Soundshell attracted, the complex also housed a popular cafeteria, the lease of which was foreclosed as part of the council's $40million redevelopment programme.

But both wings are now clear of ‘Class A' asbestos, the council's sports leader Rob Pitkethley says.

But the central auditorium may, however, still contain trace levels of asbestos meaning all materials will need to be treated before removal. This section of the building will be removed last.

'The council's contractors will be using a number of methods to remove the building structure including using diggers and ‘nibblers' for the side wings – those machines are on site now,” Rob says.

How great that Art…A poster along the security fenceline betokens earlier musical climes at the Rotorua Soundshell, with tributes to The Howard Morrison Quartet and Lou and Simon.

The work will be followed by ‘knuckle-booms' and scissor-lifts to remove the aluminium sheeting of the auditorium. Once the structure is down to its lower level, the large machinery will return to the site to finish the removal.

Class A asbestos removal is a WorkSafe notifiable activity and the council has worked in partnership with WorkSafe to ensure the success of this project.

Safety of the public, staff and contractors has always been Council's number one priority during this project.

'The age and nature of the building has meant the removal process has been significantly more complex, requiring a number of agencies to be involved to ensure the safe removal in line with relevant guidelines and legislation,” Rob says.

Independent asbestos assessors have monitored the site since the project began and will continue to monitor the removal as the structures are removed and cleared from the site.

'All going well the removal of the three structures, the auditorium and the north and south wings, will take approximately three weeks. However, ensuring the safe removal of the remaining material will determine the final date of completion.”