An industrial hygienist has conducted extensive testing for asbestos today at the site of the former Royal Park Hotel. At approximately 1.30pm, the hygienist confirmed that no asbestos was found in the air above the site, but that small amounts of asbestos sheet fragments were found.
As only small amounts of asbestos have been found, the risk to people on site and the surrounding properties is considered to be low.
However as a high level precautionary measure, children at City of Melbourne's North Melbourne Childcare Centre are remaining inside for the rest of the day. The childcare centre is approximately 60 to 80 metres away from the Royal Park Hotel site.
We have been in regular contact with the North Melbourne Childcare Centre since the incident and we will advise them of any updates regarding the situation.