Council addresses safety concerns on New Regent Street

Christchurch City Council is taking steps to make sure people visiting and working in New Regent Street remain safe after concerns were raised about five privately owned buildings.

Consenting and Compliance Manager Peter Sparrow says the Council yesterday installed barriers in front of the affected buildings. The street will remain open to pedestrians and most businesses will continue to trade as normal.

"People will still be able to access New Regent Street from Armagh Street and Gloucester Street, and there will be pedestrian access along the full length of New Regent Street," Mr Sparrow says.

"Unfortunately, the fencing outside the five units will block access along the tram tracks, stopping the trams from using New Regent Street. We have met with the tram operator Welcome Aboard to discuss the impact."

A member of the public contacted the Council with concerns over the safety of five units following the 14 February 2016 earthquake. All have the same owner. The Council then instructed the owner to complete an engineering report.

"This was received on 23 February and has resulted in the Council classifying the units as dangerous and earthquake prone. We have issued a notice to make the buildings safe and have arranged to meet with the owner to discuss the issue and next steps," Mr Sparrow says.

"Our primary concern is to make sure New Regent Street is safe for people who work in and visit the area."

The owner has until 29 March to apply for a building consent for work to make the sites safe.

The Council has contacted businesses along the street personally to explain the situation.

ENDS

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