Auckland City Council has issued a notice for the immediate demolition of the remains of the former Southdown freezing works.
The Penrose complex went up in flames in December in what is believed to be Auckland's biggest fire.
The council says the gutted site must be cleaned up by Friday next week because of the risk of asbestos at the site spreading to nearby railways lines and public walkways.
Companies in the immediate area have already been moved, and the few that have not moved have been issued with warning notices.
The area is being kept damp with sprinklers to help prevent the spread of asbestos.
Wellington contamination 'minor'
Meanwhile, Wellington City Council says contamination at a Kilbirnie sports park is minor and the affected material should be removed within a month.
Contracting company Dixon and Dunlop is testing the ground at Cobham Park to determine the level of contamination.
Tim Harrod, the council's project manager for a $50 million community sports centre at the park, says the contamination came from a coal-fired power station that once occupied a neighbouring site.
Mr Harrod says ash from the station contains heavy metals which, when disturbed, can enter the food chain. However, that possibility is considered unlikely.
Construction of the sports centre is scheduled to start once a resource consent is obtained. The centre is expected to open in mid-2010.
