Demolition Of Heritage Listed, Character Buildings

Christchurch City Council Media Advisory

9.30pm, Saturday 11 September

Demolition Of Heritage Listed And Character Buildings

Christchurch City Mayor, Bob Parker has reiterated his call for building owners not to demolish their buildings without consent from the Council.

“While public safety remains paramount, I would encourage owners of damaged heritage listed buildings and character buildings to work with the Council so that we can do what we can to preserve these buildings, which are so important to the character of our city,” says Mayor Bob Parker. A red sticker on a building means only that a building should not be entered. It does not mean that it has to be demolished. All building owners require a building consent before proceeding with a demolition, regardless of whether it is a heritage building or not.

Demolitions should be undertaken in an organised way and consented. The Council and other service providers need to be assured that services are disconnected, including power, gas, water and wastewater.

Unless managed properly, demolitions can pose hazards to adjacent buildings. In addition, traffic needs to be managed to that there is no risk to either vehicles or the public on the footpaths or roadways adjacent to the demolition site.

Building owners who undertake demolitions without consent are doing so contrary to the legislation. They leave themselves liable to risk from a health and safety perspective, as well as to claims from people who might be adversely affected by the demolition

“The Council will take strong regulatory action against any owners who demolish buildings contrary to these requirements,” Mayor Parker said.

Permission to demolish buildings will only be granted following the assessment by at least two structural engineers. In addition, building owners need to supply a plan with options for the building to inform the decision process.

The Council has established a Building Recovery Office on the Ground Floor of the new Christchurch City Council Civic Offices at 73 Hereford Street. The office will provide advice and streamlined consenting/approval process for buildings damaged in the earthquake. There will be a range of building and planning specialists available at the office and an EQC representative will be available to discuss insurance matters.

The office will be open to the public from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday, on Monday 13 September, when the office will open at 9.30 am.

ENDS