Engineering reports for recreation & sport centres available
27 March 2012
Engineering reports for Centennial and QEII Park Recreation and Sport Centres made available
Christchurch City Council has today (Tuesday 27 March) released engineering reports that show the scale of damage at two of the city’s recreation and sport centres.
Centennial and QEII Park Recreation and Sport Centres have been closed since they were damaged in last year’s 22 February earthquake.
There are two engineering reports for each facility as engineering assessments on the facilities have been continuing for some time (the second report for each facility is an updated version). All details that may compromise the Council’s position with its insurers have been removed, including the potential cost of repairs, as discussions are ongoing.
According to the reports:
• The land and buildings at the QEII Park Recreation and Sport Centre were extensively damaged in the 22 February 2011 earthquake and have subsequently sustained more damage with further earthquakes/aftershocks. Engineers believe QEII cannot be repaired to a similar level to a newly built facility because of the extent of the damage.
• The entire QEII Park Recreation and Sport Centre facility is estimated to have moved 250mm sideways and dropped up to 300mm. The buildings and pools inside have extensive structural damage. There is also severe damage to the main track and field area and engineers say it is therefore unusable.
• Both pools at the Centennial Recreation and Sport Centre, which is still in the city’s red zone, are severely damaged following the 22 February 2011 earthquake. The concrete slabs inside, and surrounding the pools, is also significantly cracked. Engineers believe the pools cannot be repaired to a similar level as a newly built facility, due to the level of damage.
• Land settlement of up to 50mm has occurred along one side of the Centennial Recreation and Sport Centre. Land surrounding the building is moderately damaged.
Council Community Services General Manager Michael Aitken says the Council is aware that many members of the public are seeking answers about both facilities. “The engineering assessments on these facilities have been a huge undertaking and we have also had protracted discussions with our insurers to consider. However, we are nearing the point where we will be able to present our councillors, and the community, with some options for a way forward,” he says.
Future options for both facilities will be considered next month as part of the Council’s Annual Plan process, along with a number of other major Council facilities. The future of other Council facilities are being looked at as part of one of its major post-earthquake programmes, the Facilities Rebuild Plan project.
To see the engineering reports, visit www.ccc.govt.nz/facilitiesrebuild. Engineering reports for the Council’s other facilities will be posted on the Council website as they become available.
ENDS