Clocktower Chambers to be cleaned by drone
Westport’s iconic Clocktower Chambers in Palmerston Street are in line for a spruce-up this week, with cleaning of the external stone surfaces via drone due to start on Thursday 15 May.
The Clocktower Chambers were last cleaned in 2020, a process which is carried out periodically when noticeable levels of moss and grime begin to build up on the stonework.
In the past, this work has been carried out by contractors working from a crane, and was a relatively expensive procedure in terms of equipment hire and labour.
Group Manager Infrastructure Services Anthony Blom says: “Due to technological advances in this field, this year council staff researched the possibility of having this work carried out by remotely operated drone, which has been found to be a feasible and cost-effective option for this work.”
The previous clean via crane in 2020 cost $34,000; whereas cleaning via drone has been quoted at less than $8,000.
The contractor is Palmerston North-based company Drone Wash, which utilises a team of two (a pilot and a ground station operator/observer) to operate a power wash drone, capable of both heavy-duty pressure washing and soft washing of more delicate surfaces.
An exclusion zone will be set up as each section of the building is treated, however the Clocktower Chambers will remain open and accessible during this work.
The stone surfaces, windows, gutters and roof will be cleaned using a specialist detergent, followed by an application of Wet & Forget. This is the same process that has been used successfully in the past but will be delivered in a safer and more efficient manner, and at a lower cost.
As with the previous method, care will be taken to minimise any overspray and works will be halted if there is any change to the forecast light winds.
The cleaning work is expected to take two days to complete.
-ENDS-
For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz
Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.