Frews Contracting is one of the oldest and most experienced demolition contractors in the South Island, covering full and partial demolition, waste recovery, complex live-site projects, and large-scale rebuild work across Canterbury and beyond.
Overview
Frews has delivered demolition solutions for multi-storey commercial buildings, residential houses, and complex structures for decades. The fleet includes modern excavators and trucks, and the demolition workflow extends through transport, material sorting, and recovery to reduce disposal pressure.
Frews is recognised as a respected demolition contractor for everything from brick and rubble removal to residential and commercial building demolition, with the machinery, plant, and experience needed to complete difficult jobs safely.
Residential
Frews was a major force in the Christchurch rebuild, including residential red zone and greenzone demolition.
Commercial
Commercial demolition examples include airports, hospitals, large factories, and urgent public safety works.
Recovery
Concrete and demolition material can be recycled and reused through Frews' recovery and recycling capability.
Residential Demolition
Frews was one of the leading forces behind the Christchurch rebuild, with demolition work across residential red zone and greenzone programmes. At peak pace the team was demolishing up to 15 houses per week, with more than 1,400 residential properties demolished overall.
What that means on site
Fast mobilisation, disciplined waste removal, and safe property clearance for full house removal or partial demolition where the rest of the site still needs protecting.
Commercial Demolition
Frews' commercial demolition experience covers high-sensitivity environments, asbestos handling, live operational sites, urgent structural risk, and staged demolition with follow-on civil works.
Nelson Airport Terminal Demolition
Demolition in the middle of an active airport required strict debris control so nothing could affect runway operations. The working area was kept clean at all times, daily site walk-arounds were completed, and the tower beside the runway was cut and craned down under floodlight nightshift work to minimise disturbance.
The project finished ahead of time, on budget, without incidents, and with glowing praise from both Nelson Airport and Naylor Love.
Sanitarium Stages 1 & 2
Frews demolished the 6,500m2 Sanitarium factory and smaller buildings on Harewood Road, then carried out site works and associated civil works for the new Mitre 10 Mega. Concrete was crushed on site and reused, dust suppression was maintained, and asbestos was safely managed by certified contractors.
Stage two added demolition of a 1,000m2 Sanitarium factory and civil works for the 4,000m2 building extension, with careful management to minimise impacts on neighbouring residential properties.
Christchurch International Airport Terminal
Frews won the demolition subcontract to Hawkins Construction for the old domestic terminal, including approximately 26,000m2 of structure, the control tower, and the pier. The works demanded precise staging and total compliance with time and quality requirements while airport operations continued.
214 Tuam Street - Odeon Theatre
CERA engaged Frews for urgent works on a dangerous wall with catastrophic collapse risk. Harrison Grierson provided structural engineering and survey support, the structure was constantly monitored, safety spotters were stationed on all corners, and police and emergency traffic management were prepared for worst-case conditions.
The works were completed to CERA's satisfaction without incident, allowing nearby new-build works for ECAN to keep moving.
Burwood Hospital Demolition
As part of the hospital upgrade, Frews demolished ten structures totalling about 3,500m2 without disrupting hospital operations. Water for fire protection services had to remain live, deconstruction worked around active pipework, and significant asbestos removal was completed safely and efficiently.
The project was delivered on time and on budget, and client satisfaction led to additional negotiated works being completed.
Next Step
Frews can quote on residential houses, commercial structures, partial demolition packages, and demolition-linked recovery or cartage requirements.