Queensgate Shopping Centre – Update 18 November 2016

18 November 2016

Queensgate Shopping Centre – Update 18 November 2016

Immediately following the Kaikoura earthquake on Monday morning a team of structural engineers from Beca began reviewing the multiple structures that comprise Queensgate Shopping Centre. This review has involved continuous investigative onsite assessment which has been ongoing since the earthquake occurred.

The priority for Stride is the safety and wellbeing of our customers and retailers. Therefore, Stride will not allow people into the buildings without satisfactory advice from our structural engineers, Beca.

The engineers have confirmed that the retail areas of the Centre have no evidence of material structural damage and on that basis, access has been given to these areas to our retailers for them to commence clean-up of their stores. Also, contractors have been working on fixing superficial damage inside the Centre and this work will continue. It’s anticipated that many shops will be open for business by the end of next week.

However, the engineers have observed some damage to the structure of one of the carpark buildings. Based on the observed damage, our engineers have reviewed their assessment of the affected structure. They have advised that the carpark is not in danger of collapse but that should a significant aftershock occur along the lines of the recent announcement from GNS then the affected structure may be compromised further.

Beca has recommended that structural strengthening be undertaken to this section of the carpark and this work has already been ordered with urgency. Until this work is completed a portion of Queensgate Shopping Centre will continue to be off-limits as a precaution.

Stride Chief Executive Peter Alexander says that although this is an inconvenience to the retailers and customers affected safety is the first priority, and the company has decided this is the best course of action based on the advice received from the engineers.

“We are acting immediately to minimise this disruption and will have the work completed and the Centre fully operational as soon as possible. It is too soon to give a definitive timing at this point.”

Mr Alexander said that, overall, the company was pleased with the resilience of the Centre in light of what had been a very significant earthquake event.

“We want to thank our retailers and customers for their patience as we take the time required to assess the damage, strengthen where required and confirm that the Centre is suitable for occupation.

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