MORRISON PROGRESSING
22 METRE CRANE SIGNIFIES MORRISON PROJECT PROGRESS
The Scott Construction team working on Nelson CBD’s MORRISON precinct have been full steam ahead since returning to the site in mid-January.
The MORRISON development started at the end of 2025 and when completed in 2027 it will be a vibrant, people-focused precinct, with a curated blend of retail, hospitality, office spaces, boutique accommodation, and community space.
Morrison Square Development Co Ltd co-owner Jason Everett said the works on the eastern block is already well advanced, with a 22 metre crane now on site for the heavy lifting.
“Scott’s are almost finished deconstructing the eastern block, which is the site of the future 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. Work in the future eatery is also well progressed with the opening planned for later this year.
“It is really exciting to have works well underway and have a large crane on the inner-city skyline – a sign of progress for the CBD,” Everett said.
Co-owner Craig Dennis said they have been overwhelmed by the positive response from people about the Morrison project.
“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 said. “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.
“To meet this timeframe, we need to be as efficient as possible and of course we need to make sure the public is safe during construction. Because Morrison Street runs right through the site it has been closed until the end of next year to ensure the construction team and equipment can move around efficiently and safely.”
Meanwhile, co-owner Justin Candish adds that the project has a strong focus on adaptive use with at least 90% of materials being reused or recycled.
“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. 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 photo shows Craig Dennis, Jason Everett and Justin Candish standing where the public square will be, with the future site of the boutique hotel behind, as illustrated in the concept to the right.