Scott Construction crews are forging ahead on the Morrison precinct, with a towering 22 metre crane now signalling major progress in the Nelson CBD redevelopment.
Work restarted in mid-January after the summer break, and the eastern block is already well advanced.
Morrison Square Development Co Ltd co-owner Jason Everett says Scott’s team is close to finishing the deconstruction of the eastern block, the future site of a boutique hotel.
“The deconstruction of the former Columbus café building is also near completion, making way for the central public gathering and events space, which will be the heart of the precinct,” he says.
“Work in the future eatery is also well progressed with the opening planned for later this year.”
He says seeing the crane on the inner-city skyline is a clear sign of momentum.
Co-owner Craig Dennis says the public response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“People are constantly coming up to us in the street saying how pleased they are that we are developing the site into something they will be able to enjoy, which is really heartening,” he says.
“We want to get this project done as soon as possible for the city, so locals and visitors can use this amazing asset from next year. That is the goal.”
Morrison St, which runs through the middle of the site, has been closed until the end of next year to allow construction vehicles and heavy equipment to move safely and unobstructed.
Co-owner Justin Candish says the redevelopment has a strong focus on adaptive reuse.
“We’re making every effort to reuse and recycle as much material as possible, including AC units, awnings, joinery, and a large amount of timber,” he says.
“We are taking this approach to all the buildings. There is a lot that won’t need to go to landfill, which is important to us.”
The Morrison precinct, which began construction at the end of 2025, is set to be completed in 2027. When finished, it will offer a blend of retail, hospitality, office spaces, boutique accommodation and community areas.
