13 September 2010
MEDIA RELEASE
NZHPT endorses Mayor Parker’s heritage call

The demolition of Canterbury’s heritage buildings should be a last option for owners, says the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT).

NZHPT Chief Executive Bruce Chapman today firmly endorsed comments from Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker to building owners to first explore all options of heritage retention before considering demolition.

Mr Chapman said the fund launched by the Mayor yesterday to support the repair, restoration and strengthening of earthquake-damaged buildings in Christchurch was an important step in assisting owners financially.

“Mayor Parker is quite correct in pointing out that owners first require council permission to demolish. It is reassuring that he does not see demolition as the council’s first choice.

“While the visual appearance of earthquake damage impacts heavily on our senses, it is important we do not rush to judgement. Following initial inspections by council and other experts including NZHPT staff a more detailed inspection needs to be undertaken by structural engineers to fully assess the extent of the damage, and, more importantly, how the building can best be retained and rebuilt.”

Mr Chapman encouraged other Canterbury district councils to follow the lead set by Mayor Parker in advocating for heritage retention. The council chief executives of Selwyn, Hurunui, Waimakariri, Ashburton and Timaru Districts had been contacted last week with an offer of support.

“Where the issues of public safety have been met it is important that all councils affected by the earthquake next consider how best to approach saving as much heritage as possible.

“The NZHPT has guidelines on its website (www.historic.org.nz) for heritage owners on what to do to preserve their properties and the legal obligations they have in this regard. Our staff have been working around the region and alongside councils, Civil Defence, structural engineers and owners giving advice on stabilisation and what needs to be done to retain the heritage fabric as best as possible.”

ENDS

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