Possible uses sought for Sims building

Dunedin (Wednesday, 1 August 2018) – This month, the West Harbour Community Board and the Dunedin City Council are asking for possible uses for the Sims building and site at Port Chalmers.

Built in 1880, the brick Sims building is on the corner of Beach Street and Macandrew Road. The site extends across multiple reserve land titles, meaning it must have a public use.

There is currently no DCC funding tagged for modification work to the building or site over the next 10 years.

Port Chalmers Community Board member Francisca Griffin says, “If the building is to have a future use, we need to know there is someone out there who has the vision, commitment and funding to do that.”

There are a range of issues with the property, including asbestos and unstable land.

The Sims building was first used for engineering simple appliances. It was bought in 1890 by Isaac Stevenson who, with a later partner John Cook, ran the Stevenson and Cook Engineering Company, mostly building and repairing ships.

The DCC took ownership of the site in 1989 after local government amalgamation with the Port Chalmers Borough Council. After that time, the site was leased to various groups for recreational purposes until asbestos was found in 2017. Since then building and land reports have been completed and most of the asbestos has been removed.

Unfortunately, due to loose asbestos and unstable land, people cannot enter the site without a DCC representative. People are welcome to view the site from the car park, but are advised to take care.

From 1 to 31 August, people can get more information and submit their suggestions for possible uses of the building at www.dunedin.govt.nz/simsbuilding. People are also welcome to attend one of the following engagement events.
• Friday, 10 August 4-7pm - Port Chalmers Four Square Supermarket.
• Thursday, 16 August 6.30-7.30pm - Rolfe Room, Port Chalmers Library.
• Sunday, 19 August, 10am-1.30pm - Port Chalmers Community Market.

There will also be an information display at the Port Chalmers Library during August.

After hearing from the community, selected submitters will be invited to present to the community board.

To arrange access to the Sims building, or discuss a proposal with a staff member, contact the DCC on 03 477 4000 or email simsbuilding@dcc.govt.nz.

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