UPDATE - the building was torn down on Thursday night.The rundown Palace Hotel pub on the corner of Federal St and Victoria St which is under refurbishment to transform it into a brothel has nearly collapsed.Streets have been closed and nearby shops evacu
UPDATE - the building was torn down on Thursday night.
The rundown Palace Hotel pub on the corner of Federal St and Victoria St which is under refurbishment to transform it into a brothel has nearly collapsed.
Streets have been closed and nearby shops evacuated and emergency services are investigating the scene.
The building, once owned by Dominion Breweries, was bought in October 2008 by Wellington-based brothel owners Chow Group for $3.3 million.
They were going to turn it into the latest in their string of x-rated venues including the Mermaid bar and Il Bordello.
Cracks appeared in the building opposite Sky City this afternoon and nearby shops were forced to evacuate.
Shortly before 4pm police, fire services and Auckland Council structural engineers arrived to inspect the building and close nearby roads.
“As a precaution police have cordoned off Victoria Street West between Hobson street and Albert Streets. Federal street between Victoria st and Kingston is also closed,”oInspector Kerry Watson said in a statement.
"Long delays" are expected.
Photos by Niko Kloeten
