In October 2024, Wellington City Council – in its capacity as the regulator – requested a Seismic Assessment to give the Embassy Theatre a formal New Building Standard (NBS) rating.
An earthquake-prone notice was issued and displayed on the entrance to the Embassy Theatre in lieu of the assessment.
The findings of the assessment have parts of the building below the 34% NBS threshold for being earthquake prone.
Under the NBS a building’s seismic performance rating is given based on its seismically weakest part. The building’s NBS rating is 30%.
A review of the latest advice, in conjunction with the MBIE Seismic Risk Guidance for Buildings, indicates the Embassy Theatre can operate as usual, prior to the work being carried out.
The assessment states there is a 1.8% chance an earthquake could cause damage and a 0.3% chance the building would be occupied should an earthquake occur. Strengthening work above the main auditorium and on the Marjoribanks Steet façade would bring the building up to standard.
The notice gives the Wellington City Council – as the building’s owner – 16 years to plan and carry out remedial works on the building.
Council’s Chief Infrastructure Officer Jenny Chetwynd says: “The Embassy Theatre is a much-loved venue in Wellington’s entertainment district.
“We have concluded, on reviewing the latest advice in conjunction with the MBIE Seismic Risk Guidance for Buildings, that there is nothing within either assessment that indicates the building cannot continue to operate as normal.”
The Embassy Theatre, on the corner of Marjoribank Street and Kent Terrace, is Wellington’s oldest and most iconic cinemas. It is one of the only pre-World War II large-screen cinemas remaining in the country. Originally known as the De Luxe Cinema, it celebrated its centenary in 2024.
It has been strengthened twice before, most recently in 2009 to 80% NBS. Standards have become more stringent since those works were carried out. The Council will review its options for the building over the coming months.
An EPB notice will be displayed at every public entrance to the building.