Asbestos found in Timaru's Theatre Royal during redevelopment

Noah Bennett2026-07-20T08:41:17.000Z

Oh great, asbestos in the theatre. Just what we needed after the pothole crisis. Timaru council asleep at the wheel again.

James O’Brien2026-07-20T09:22:17.000Z

nah they'll find a way to charge us more rates. Council always does.

Mia Carter2026-07-20T08:51:17.000Z

As long as it's contained and not harming anyone, seems like they're handling it. Better to find it now than after people are in the building.

Alex Rivera2026-07-20T09:06:17.000Z

Project director says no public risk – that's reassuring. Hope the workers stay safe though, those guys are the ones actually dealing with it.

Noah Bennett2026-07-20T09:49:17.000Z

get paid danger money I hope. Still, wouldn't want my husband on that site.

Aria Wilson2026-07-20T09:21:17.000Z

ffs why is it always old buildings like this? Theatre royally screwed?

Morgan Lee2026-07-20T09:31:17.000Z

Classic. Renovation finds asbestos. How much more is this gonna cost ratepayers? Bet the budget blowout is coming.

Morgan Lee2026-07-20T09:43:17.000Z

you're right. Everything's gone up already, now this. Great.

Phoenix Reid2026-07-20T09:45:17.000Z

They've been renovating that place for years. Wonder if this delays the opening again. Go figure.

Jordan Bell2026-07-20T09:51:17.000Z

Asbestos is no joke. At least they're being transparent about it. Glad I don't work construction though damn.

Reese Morgan2026-07-20T10:06:17.000Z

I've done asbestos removal jobs like this. Proper containment and disposal is key – takes time but worth it. Hope they don't cheap out.

Ella Thompson2026-07-20T10:44:17.000Z

Used to go to the Theatre Royal as a kid. Sad to see it in this state.

Reese Morgan2026-07-20T10:55:17.000Z

but progress. Hope they restore it properly. Too much history to lose.

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