Friday 8 April 2016

Council fences area under New Regent Street parapet

Christchurch City Council has today fenced off an area below a parapet on a New Regent Street building due to safety concerns.

Head of Operational Policy and Quality improvement Robert Wright says that concerns about some structures on the street were raised during repair work on five buildings on New Regent Street.

"Repairs to five buildings on the street identified some concerns with aspects of other properties along the rest of the street. Further investigation revealed cracking and damage to the parapet overlooking New Regent Street on the building on the eastern side of the intersection with Gloucester Street."

"We have been in contact with the owners of the building, who are cooperating fully to resolve the issue. In the meantime, a fence is required for public safety. This will be in place for about two weeks while the parapet is secured to the building temporarily."

Mr Wright says scaffolding will probably be needed while permanent repairs are done but this is not expected to have an impact on tram operations.

The Council has met with some owners of other properties this afternoon to inform them of the situation as well as other issues along the street, including concerns over parapets and eyebrows — concrete structures that are cantilevered from the wall.

Mr Wright says the owners are being asked to undertake an assessment of those specific design features as soon as possible.

Heritage Team Leader Brendan Smyth says the Council is hopeful it can work together with the owners to find a uniform solution to any issues identified to maintain the Spanish Mission architectural style of the street.

The street remains open and businesses are trading.

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