16 December 2011

Akaroa Service Centre to close

Akaroa Service Centre will close at the end of the day today until further notice – but plans are being put in place for a temporary facility across the road.

The decision to close the facility has been made after Christchurch City Council received the results of a Detailed Engineering Evaluation (DEE). Engineers have recommended the building needs earthquake repairs and strengthening.

The building was assessed after the February earthquake and received a green placard. However, the Council is currently carrying out more detailed engineering assessments of its facilities and today’s decision is a result of this process.

Corporate Services General Manager Paul Anderson says the Council realises that the facility is significant to the Akaroa community but its closure was necessary to ensure the ongoing safety of the public and Council staff in the event of further earthquakes. The building also houses two other main tenants, New Zealand Post and the Akaroa Information Centre.

“We are mindful of the impact this closure will have on the community but in this situation we have had to take a cautious approach. We are investigating options for a temporary facility and will share details of this when they are confirmed.”

As the service centre is a heritage building all recommendations for repair and earthquake strengthening will go to Council for approval. There is currently no timeframe for when this will occur.

Until a temporary facility is available, the nearest service centre is the Little River Service Centre, 4236 Christchurch Akaroa Rd. It is open on weekdays from 9am-5pm.

ENDS

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