Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall Capacity

The Queenstown Lakes District Council has temporarily reduced the capacity of the Arrowtown Athenaeum Hall based on an earthquake inspection, but does not need to close the building.

The hall was originally built in 1870, with significant alternations in 1991. The Council has been assessing all public buildings, which led to the recent upgrade of the Wanaka Pool.

Under the Building Act the capacity of a building has an influence on its earthquake rating. Based on the latest assessment undertaken by the Holmes Consulting Group, the Arrowtown building would be considered earthquake prone with its existing capacity of 500. A reduction in capacity means the building does not hit the ‘prone’ threshold. A building which is categorised as a ‘normal’ structure has a capacity of 300, whereas a building which is categorised as a structure that can ‘contain crowds’ (500 capacity).

Further assessment will be undertaken to consider strengthening work (possible additional bracing, wall connection upgrades and minor concrete strengthening). It is anticipated that the alterations will address the capacity issue.

Design work is currently underway to enable the Council to assess the options. “We view this as a precautionary approach, but one with which we are more than happy to comply until we understand the implications of strengthening works,” QLDC Chief Executive Adam Feeley said.

ENDS

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