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NZHPT welcomes increase in building standards

The New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT) welcomes an increase in standards for earthquake prone buildings in Christchurch that have been damaged as a result of the recent seismic activity, the Chief Executive Bruce Chapman said today.

‘The standards proposed by the Christchurch City Council are clearly designed to improve public safety and ensure heritage buildings can be retained and protected against future earthquake damage,’ said Mr Chapman.

‘We have been advocating nationally for strengthening to that level and, with appropriate incentives to support them, commercial building owners will have the opportunity and the encouragement to work to save Christchurch’s heritage places.

‘I understand that the Christchurch City Council has some funding available to support this work, but whether it will be sufficient is now the question.’

Mr Chapman added that it is important that councils and potentially central government look at what financial assistance can be offered to commercial owners in these circumstances because of the potential for this policy to have the opposite effect to what is intended.

‘Retrospectively imposing this requirement may see owners decide to defer earthquake strengthening work for as long as possible. This would lead to a longer period in which the public is exposed to risk, and may mean that important building maintenance is not done. Demolition by neglect could be the result for some of our most significant heritage buildings and that’s not what anyone wants.’

The NZHPT will work with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage on recommendations to the Government on this issue.

Mr Chapman said the NZHPT’s staff have been heartened by the outpouring of concern for the heritage buildings in Canterbury.

‘People around the country have been in touch with our staff expressing their concern at the potential for the loss of the area’s character and history and we share that concern.

‘There is a risk that loss adjusters may provide an initial opinion towards demolition and so, where public safety is not at risk and there is a chance to preserve heritage places, we ask owners to seek advice from a structural engineer before making a decision about the future of their buildings.

‘We don’t want people feeling they have to rush into a decision that they – and the wider community – will later regret.’

ENDS

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