The demolition of Christchurch's "house of horrors" has cleared the way for consideration of the future of the site where two women were murdered.
The Wainoni property where Jason Somerville killed and buried Tisha Lowry and his wife Rebecca Somerville was bulldozed after it was attacked for the fourth time by arsonists early on Saturday.
The Fire Service ruled the property had become a safety issue and had to go.
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said he felt "a sense of relief" that house had now been demolished.
"It has been hanging over that community and every time someone walks past it is a reminder," he told The Press.
The council will this week order the owners of the two adjoining properties that once occupied the site to clear the rubble within 28 days. One property is owned by a North Island couple and the other by Somerville.
If the site is not cleared by the owners, the council can take over the task.
Mr Parker said he personally favoured a small park on the site and this could help a traumatised community.
The proposal was subject to consultation with neighbours and approval by the full council, he said.
NZPA