Sustainable Demolition at KiwiRail’s Hillside Redevelopment

Demolition does not have to mean waste. At Taggart, we are always looking for ways to minimise our environmental footprint, and our work on KiwiRail’s Hillside redevelopment in Dunedin is a great example of what is possible when sustainability is built into the plan from the start.

In 2022, we managed the first two phases of demolition at the historic Hillside site, removing more than 12,000 tonnes of material as part of the redevelopment programme. By working closely with KiwiRail and carefully managing material recovery on site, we successfully diverted 91 per cent of that material away from landfill.

This effort included salvaging significant volumes of native timber, structural steel, and concrete. Each material was carefully sorted, processed, and redirected for reuse or recycling wherever possible. The result was one of the best recycling outcomes we have achieved to date, and a strong demonstration of how sustainable demolition practices can make a real difference to both the environment and the community.

Our work at Hillside was recognised nationally, helping us secure the 2024 NZDAA Award for Unrestricted Demolition Best Practice. This award celebrates excellence in demolition and deconstruction, and we are proud to have been acknowledged for leading the way in sustainable practices.

A big thank you goes to KiwiRail for supporting environmentally responsible methods, and to our dedicated crew for making it happen on the ground.

The Hillside redevelopment project shows how demolition and sustainability can go hand in hand. At Taggart, we remain committed to finding innovative ways to reduce waste, recycle materials, and deliver projects that leave a positive legacy.

If you are looking for a demolition contractor with proven expertise in recycling and sustainable outcomes, get in touch with Taggart. We can help you deliver projects that are efficient, safe, and environmentally responsible.