WREMO update 18 – 17 November 4.30pm.

Courtenay Central building and car park closed

Courtenay Central and car park have been evacuated because of safety concerns. This also affects surrounding buildings, including some apartments.

We are taking a safety approach with this building as we don’t want to put people at risk.

Our advice from GNS Science is that there is a strong likelihood of a major earthquake within the next 30 days, says Wellington Mayor Justin Lester. “We need to be prepared.”

We have cordoned off Tory Street between Wakefield Street and Courtenay Place, but Courtenay Place and Wakefield Street remain open. It is still safe to make your way along Courtenay and Wakefield, either on foot or in a vehicle. The cinemas are closed until further notice.

The building was closed late this afternoon after engineers engaged by the building owner raised concerns. The engineers’ report is being peer-reviewed by Council engineers. At the moment we cannot say anything categorical about the state of the building until that has been completed.

Their engineers have identified significant structural problems and these need to be addressed.

“If you’ve been evacuated from your apartment, get in touch with friends and family to see if you can stay with them in the meantime. You can also go to the emergency assistance centre at the Salvation Army on Jessie Street. Welfare staff can assist you. The centre is open until about 9pm,” Mayor Lester said.

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