Newtown community hub to be quake-strengthened

Earthquake strengthening work and fire safety improvements to make the Newtown Library Flats stronger and safer have started this week.

Next door to Newtown Library in Constable Street, the building houses Network Newtown – a part of the Newtown Community Centre – home to a community computer hub and meeting rooms, as well as six City Housing flats. The three-storey reinforced concrete building dates from 1950s.

The five-month project includes installing custom steel bracing, upgrading stair rails, installing new fire doors and automatic heat and smoke detectors. At first it may look like not much is going on. However, custom components such as doors, windows and steel bracing will be fabricated offsite and installed during the main strengthening work beginning in October.

The ground floor community space will only be closed for approximately two weeks and Network Newtown will temporarily relocate while the steel bracing is being installed. City Housing tenants won’t need to move out of their homes and have been advised of potential disruptions.

Councillor Iona Pannett, Wellington City Council’s Buildings Portfolio Leader, says the work is part of the Council’s commitment to making its buildings stronger, safer and more resilient for our tenants and building users.

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