Some of Stratford, Eltham, Kaponga and Inglewood's historic buildings might irretrievably be lost, changing the face of the district's main streets, should a government proposal on earthquake-prone buildings get the nod.
A consultation document by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) proposes a mandatory national requirement and timeframe
which will require councils to seismically assess all non-residential and multi-unit, multi-storey residential buildings within five years of the changes taking effect. Owners would then have a further 10 years to either strengthen or demolish buildings identified as earthquake-prone.
"It involves striking a careful balance between protecting life and safety, and the huge costs of strengthening or demolishing buildings. There are good arguments for and against pretty much any decision," says minister Maurice Williamson.
At present, local authorities are responsible for decisions on how earthquake-prone buildings should be dealt with.
Stratford District Council says it only requires assessments where there is a change of use or a building consent for structural work on a building. Chief executive Sue Davidson says most buildings in the CBD would likely require strengthening.
