Seddon’s halls survive earthquake damage

The Awatere Memorial Hall has been given the all-clear for the community to use again once some minor repairs are completed and Seddon’s Scout/hub building has also had a reprieve.

The hall, which is more than 40 years old, is in line for a major upgrade to bring it up to today’s building code but, after last month’s earthquake damage, there was doubt about its safety for public use.

However, an analysis of the building by structural engineers has found the building needs only minor remedial works before it can be safely re-opened.

Council has already called for expressions of interest from architects interested in redeveloping the hall and is working through the appointment process. A decision is likely in the New Year after community input.

Council has budgeted $3.6M to renovate the hall as a multi-purpose facility for the township before 2023 but councillors have indicated they want to bring that funding forward so the project is completed sooner.

A proposed new timetable for the project will be discussed as part of the Council’s budget round in February 2017.

The nearby Scouts building had been red-stickered after the earthquake but structural engineers have now suggested the building’s life can be extended by removing the concrete block entry and replacing the remaining blockwork walls with timber walls.

A detailed proposal including cost estimates will be available in the New Year.

Council’s Wairau Awatere councillors are pleased there were no hasty demolition decisions as that would have gone against the wishes of the Seddon Awatere community and their future aspirations for the facilities.

ENDS.

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