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Initial assessment following Christchurch earthquake
23 February 2011
Initial assessment following Christchurch earthquake
Kiwi Income Property Trust advises that early reports from its two Christchurch property assets, Northlands Shopping Centre and the PricewaterhouseCoopers Centre office building, indicate that no obvious major structural damage was sustained following the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck the region yesterday.
Chris Gudgeon, Chief Executive of the Manager, Kiwi Income Properties Limited, said: “While communication has been difficult since the earthquake, I can confirm that our employees are all accounted for and safe, and that there have been no reports of any injuries at either of our Christchurch assets. The safety of our staff, tenants and customers has been our primary concern and focus.”
Both buildings were successfully evacuated immediately following the earthquake and remain closed. The two supermarket operators at Northlands are expected to re-open in short order to cater to the essential shopping needs of local residents.
“We can confirm that preliminary inspections at Northlands Shopping Centre by centre management indicate there has been minor structural damage and damage to shopfronts, stock and racking systems for some retail tenancies. There has also been some water damage due to leaking fire sprinkler pipes,” Mr Gudgeon said.
“At the PricewaterhouseCoopers Centre, all building occupants were safely evacuated immediately following the earthquake. Preliminary indications are that there has been no obvious major structural damage. Ceiling tiles and light fittings have become dislodged on some floors and water leaks from fire protection systems are apparent. The PricewaterhouseCoopers Centre sustained only relatively minor damage in the earthquake on 4 September last year and it is apparent that its construction in 1990 to modern structural codes has thus far served it well.”
Mr Gudgeon said comprehensive structural and general building inspections are required and would be undertaken as soon as was possible, noting that both assets were insured for earthquake damage and consequential loss.
“We would once again like to acknowledge our Christchurch-based staff and service providers who acted immediately to ensure the safety of all occupants within both buildings.”
“Our thoughts remain very much with the people of Christchurch and we remain committed to supporting the region’s recovery.”
ENDS
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