This includes earthquake strengthening, helping others through the Built Heritage Incentive Fund, and looking after our $6 billion worth of assets including walls, tunnels, bridges and reservoirs.
Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says this work all contributes to ensuring Wellington is a resilient city in the future. “We know Wellington is a seismically active area, and the Council prides itself on being a frontrunner in leading the country in earthquake preparedness.
“Earthquake strengthening has always been a focus and a big challenge for our city, but while there's a lot of work to do, we're definitely making a lot of progress. This current lot of work is just the tip of the iceberg,” adds the Mayor.
- The Karori Cemetery chapels and crematorium are being earthquake strengthened next month, and the stained glass windows have been removed to be restored.
- Major strengthening work is being carried out on Ngaio Gorge Road to secure an alternative route out of the city. Work has already been done to the Karori tunnel and Hataitai bus tunnel, with Seatoun and Northland tunnels on the work schedule.
- Michael Fowler Centre is having earthquake strengthening work done to its exterior stairways, and the City Library will be having similar work done on its internal stairways over Easter.
- TSB Bank Arena is having recladding and minor construction work done to maintain it for future use.
- Island Bay is having its seawall rebuilt and strengthened following storm damage in June 2013. Breaker Bay is having a seawall built to protect the road, footpaths and nearby properties.
- Meanwhile, the Built Heritage Incentive Fund contributes to conserving, restoring, protecting and caring for Wellington's heritage-listed buildings and objects – with its current focus on earthquake strengthening.
Councillor Iona Pannett, the Council’s Buildings Portfolio Leader, says “We want to contribute to safe and resilient buildings and maintain their heritage values with this fund. The latest Built Heritage Incentive Fund round has opened, so now’s a good time to find out if your property is eligible for some support.”
The Mayor adds: “With so many projects on the go, there may be a bit of disruption to local businesses, residents and stakeholders during these works – but these projects all contribute to future proofing our city.”