Construction Minister Chris Penk announcing shake-up of earthquake strengthening laws. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
An advocate for saving Wellington's iconic City to Sea Bridge is optimistic that the government's new "risk-based" approach to earthquake strengthening could keep the bridge from being demolished.
The CBD bridge was slated for demolition, but the plans were paused while Wellington City Council awaited the outcome of the government's earthquake-prone building review.
On Monday the Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk said the current standards were too broad and inconsistent and would be scrapped.
Replacement standards, called the Earthquake Prone Building system, will mean unreinforced masonry buildings with unsecured facades and walls facing public areas or above neighbouring properties will be deemed earthquake prone.
However, those under three storeys and in towns with under 10,000 people would no longer need strengthening, remediation or warning notices - and could be removed from the earthquake-prone register after having the facade secured.
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Following the announcement, the council said it would be extending the pause on demolition of the bridge.
"Officers will review what these proposed changes mean for the Capital E building, which forms part of the City to Sea Bridge, and whether its earthquake-prone status would be removed under the new rules," Mayor Tory Whanau said.
"The current pause on its demolition will be extended until officers report back in the new Council term on what additional options the proposed new rules could provide to keep Capital E and the Bridge in place," she said.
Wellington Civic Trust Chair Helene Ritchie said the government's announcement looked promising for the fate of the bridge and Capital E, as Capital E was under three stories.
Photo: RNZ / Pretoria Gordon
"The opportunity for the council to do good at last by Wellington is there," Ritchie said.
"They need to revoke the decision to demolish and get on with ensuring that the bridge is maintained."
She said the council needed to get on with making a decision as soon as possible and stop wasting ratepayers money.
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