Some Raglanders are wondering why Waikato District Council is relocating its Raglan Office and Library into a building recently vacated by NZ Post at 39 Bow St for ‘seismic compliance’. From assurances given today by the Council, it seems though that they have nothing to be concerned about.
Council watchdog John Lawson said on Facebook, “Surprised to see the library moving to a building NZ Post deemed unsafe”.
When NZ Post said they had to replace their Raglan Post Shop with a postal counter in a supermarket, Raglan 23 asked why the change was necessary. An NZ Post spokesperson told us, “The move is a result of a New Zealand Post policy to ensure a high level of compliance with the seismic code for the buildings we occupy.”
Raglan 23 asked the Waikato Council, “Given that this building appears to be an earthquake risk, please advise why Council is moving to this location and exposing staff and clients to risk if an earthquake occurred?”
Waikato District Council General Manager Customer Support, Sue Duignan said, “Council has not received evidence to suggest that the building is earthquake prone. A building inspector has checked the building and as it is a single story concrete block structure, concluded that the risk associated with an earthquake is minimal.”
On Thursday 20th February, Waikato District Council announced that renovations to its Raglan library and office are set to begin in March to address a leaking roof and the need for more space. The roof leaked badly four years ago in a severe storm causing the destruction of many books.
The Waikato Council says the work is extensive and will see the office and library services relocated for approximately four months while the project is carried out. The existing site will remain open until 5pm, Thursday 6 March before closing down to allow for relocation to 39 Bow Street (the former New Zealand Post shop). Work is already underway at 39 Bow St getting it ready for Council staff to move in.
In the meantime the Waikato Council is asking customers to take care of any urgent Council business or books before the close down period, or are welcome to visit one of Council’s other offices.
General Manager Customer Support, Sue Duignan said the work would see a “bigger and better space” for customers.
“It’s really exciting to see this project coming to fruition. The building is a hub in Raglan, for both locals and visitors, and it will be great to see the space rejuvenated.”
Construction will commence on 17 March and will involve replacing and moving the shop front out and removing an interior wall to create additional space, along with replacing the existing counters and installing a new toilet for the disabled. A new roof, guttering and flashings will be installed as well as replacement of all the high level window seals.
Ms Duignan said that while there would be a slight reduction in library services at the temporary location, it would mostly be business as usual.
“Full Council services will continue to be available throughout the project; however the temporary premises will see a reduced library service offered. The smaller space will mean there will be fewer books available, but these will be rotated regularly to keep stock fresh.”
Raglan 23 asked Ms Duigan, “Will Council also be leasing the vacant adjacent shop Ex Raglan Retro?” She said, “No, the Council will not be leasing this space.”
The computer terminals will not be available at the temporary location but wireless internet will continue to be offered at the temporary premises, along with Toddler Time sessions. The wireless internet is popular with backpackers for Skype phone calls to their home countries. We asked GM Sue Duigan where these people would sit at the new location to make their calls. She said, “There is outdoor seating near the building that it is expected customers will use to access the wifi. People will be asked not to sit on the footpath or loiter in front of the building. The relocation will mean some small changes to services but it’s only temporary and we would like to thank people in advance for their patience.”
The bus stop in front of the current building will remain open during the project, however people are asked to be mindful of the construction.
Council’s contractor will be working on site between the hours of 7am and sunset, Monday to Friday, and 8am to 4pm on Saturdays.
Business will resume at the temporary premises at 9am on Monday 17 March.
How ‘minimal’ is the risk? Does Council have lower standards than NZ Post? Maybe the Community Board can ask for copies of the building reports, so we can all see and be reassured, or not, as the case might be?
I thought standard NZ practice was for professional engineers to be the certifiers as to whether buildings are seismic safe or not.
My understanding from http://beehive.govt.nz/release/earthquake-prone-buildings-policy-announced is that engineers say what % of ‘New Building Stanard’ a building reaches. The government has set a minimum of 34%. However, http://www.markplan.co.nz/Projects/Past+Feature+Projects/seismic+assessment+of+buildings.html says, “some councils, banks and insurance providers are requiring older buildings to achieve higher levels of %NBS, typically above 67%NBS to reduce the risk to occupants and the building”. So NZ Post and WDC may well have different NBS levels. It seems reasonable to ask what they are, why and whether they’re consistently applied.
http://www.dbh.govt.nz/consultingon-epbp-faqs says –
Some employers are now saying they won’t renew leases for buildings less than 67% of Code and, for new leases, 100% of Code. They say this is driven by their obligations under the Health and Safety Act. Is the Ministry looking at this? – The Ministry is aware that some employers have received advice that to meet their obligations under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 they need to provide accommodation with a higher level of seismic resistance than is required under the Building Act. The Ministry is working with other agencies on this and intends to issue guidance to building owners soon.
Some government agencies have policies of not leasing buildings that are under 67% of Code. Do they understand the effect this is having on the property market? – The Ministry is working through the Government Property Management Centre of Expertise to ensure that agencies are well informed and make sensible decisions on leasing buildings.