Contractors are waiting on the all clear to begin the demolition of the old Polytech building on Cameron Street to make way for a car park.

A specialist team has removed the asbestos from the two-storey classroom block.

The removal took longer than the 12 weeks originally planned because of an unexpected discovery of more asbestos on site.

Council’s business support group manager Helen Barnes said asbestos had been identified in the roof cavity, walls, and claddings of the old building, which was typical of its era.

“There was asbestos throughout the building, and it took a little longer than planned to safely remove it,” Barns said.

“We’re expecting it to pass a final air clearance test this week and then Greg Donaldson Contracting can move in with their diggers.”

Work to level the section for use as a carpark will happen over the next two months, with a completion date in the new year.

Barnes said the end result would be an off-street parking area that could be used day or night by people working in or using the CBD.

During the long-term plan process, the council decided to turn the site into an unsealed gravel car park for $1.6 million.