Trams resume New Regent Street visits

Trams have resumed running along New Regent Street after the last barrier blocking the track was removed this afternoon.

Tramway Operations Manager John Smith is delighted to see the barrier come down. This means the tram can travel the full figure 8 loop from Canterbury Museum to Cathedral Junction.

"This is great news for city tourists, as well as the retailers on New Regent Street who have borne the brunt of several weeks of disruption."

Meanwhile, a team of engineers will do an assessment of buildings along New Regent Street tomorrow (Tuesday 3 May).

After the 14 February earthquake, damage was done to a number of buildings which raised safety concerns for people using the street.

These buildings have now been repaired to a point where safety fencing can be removed.

During repairs, concerns were raised about specific design features on other buildings.

Heritage Team Leader Brendan Smyth says because of the unique situation on New Regent Street and its importance to the city as a destination and retail area, the Council agreed to coordinate the assessment of the buildings.

"The Council is working with the owners to ensure that any work preserves the heritage character of New Regent Street's Spanish Mission style architecture."

Heritage Rebuild Programme manager Richie Moyle says the engineers have significant experience in dealing with heritage buildings.

"They will identify any safety issues along the street frontage. Specifically, we are concerned with design features on buildings that give the special heritage character for which the street is known — parapets, eyebrows and balconies."

As well as walking along the street, the engineers will use a 10-tonne crane to get access to the buildings.

The use of the crane is not expected to cause any disruption to the operation of the tram, or access to businesses.

About New Regent Street
Buildings along New Regent Street were built in 1931 and designed in Spanish Mission architectural style. The buildings are registered as Category 1 by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and listed in the district plan.

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