Notices up at quake prone buildings

Some of Wanganui District Council's buildings now have notices on them advising people that the structures are earthquake-prone.

"A number of our buildings have been assessed as earthquake-prone under the Building Act 2004 and we believe we have a responsibility to let people know if the building they are entering is earthquake-prone," Wanganui District Council chief executive Kevin Ross said.

"The notices are in an easily visible place in the entrances to the buildings. By advising the public of the assessment, they can then make a choice about whether or not they wish to enter that building. It's important to note that the buildings are structurally sound but have been assessed as earthquake-prone - that is less than 33 per cent of new building standard.

"These are not 'stickers', such as those placed on buildings in Christchurch which have been affected by earthquakes, but simply an advisory notice and this process only applies to buildings owned by the council," Mr Ross said.

He said potential interim measures were being discussed for the activities in those buildings with stakeholders, occupiers and staff before reporting back to council on April 30.

Earthquake-prone notices have been put up at the following buildings:
 
- Sarjeant Gallery

- Whanganui Regional Museum (1929 front building)

- Community House, Victoria Ave/Ridgway St corner

- Royal Wanganui Opera House (excluding Annex 1 and 2)

- Alexander Library

- Cooks Gardens original 1947 grandstand

- Women's Centre, Hill St

- War Memorial Hall Conference and Convention Centre

More information about earthquake-prone buildings and the earthquake risk to Wanganui is available on the council's website www.wanganui.govt.nz.