THE PALMS SHOPPING CENTRE


The Palms Shopping Centre in Shirley has developed a remedial plan for the centre following the devastating earthquake on February 22.

The centre will be closed for a minimum of four weeks to allow for the necessary safety checks and clean up operations. Thereafter the centre will undertake a phased reopening of the various retail precincts as repairs are effected. Currently there is no public access to any centre facilities including the ATM machines, car parks and cinemas.

Assessments by geotechnical and structural engineers have determined that the structural and liquefaction damage will necessitate remedial work in several areas of the centre.

AMP Capital Shopping Centres (AMPCSC) senior centre manager Jennifer Andrews said: “Our centre is ‘bruised but certainly not broken’ and despite circulating rumours, the centre will not be demolished. Compared to so many other buildings in Christchurch we are fortunate that our building can be safely repaired to stringent standards.

“Our primary concern since the earthquake has been for the safety of our retailers, customers and our own team, many of whom have also been personally affected. We were very fortunate that there were no serious injuries within the centre or the centre’s car parks.”

“We are working through a robust, flexible and sequential remedial plan in consultation with our retailers. This will take time; however we are fortunate to have their support during this very difficult time. Our thoughts and condolences are with everyone affected by the devastating earthquake and the ongoing aftershocks.”

We will continue to update customers on our progress through the The Palms Shopping Centre’s Facebook page and website:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Palms-Shopping-Centre/144755025564699
www.thepalms.co.nz

Anyone who wishes to make a donation in support of Christchurch can participate in the earthquake appeal at collection points in-centre at the two other AMP Capital Shopping Centres, Botany Town Centre in East Auckland and Bayfair Shopping Centre in Tauranga.

About The Palms

The Palms Shopping Centre in Shirley (four kilometres from the Christchurch CBD), is an asset in the AMP Capital Shopping Centre Fund (ASCF). The Fund has 11 properties under management with a total fund size of over A$2 billion.

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