Council Chief Executive Barbara Phillips says work is continuing to better understand the implications of recently received engineering advice relating to the Council building at 36 Weld Street.
As previously advised, the building was assessed in 2021 and determined to be 34% of New Building Standard (NBS) by the previous Council management team, and all occupancy decisions since that time have been based on that assessment. As part of a review of Council's buildings following legislative changes, a new assessment was commissioned for 36 Weld Street.
That assessment identified a rating of 25% NBS.
Barbara Phillips said, "As Chief Executive, I have responsibilities under both the Local Government Act and Health and Safety at Work Act to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our staff and members of the public. Given the new information, I was not comfortable continuing business as usual until we had a better understanding of the report and its implications.”
For that reason, a precautionary decision was made to temporarily close the building while Council seeks further advice.
Council Services Continue
While 36 Weld Street remains temporarily closed, Council services continue to operate.
Council activated its Business Continuity Plan and has implemented a range of measures to ensure disruption to residents is kept to a minimum.
Customer Services are operating from the Pakiwaitara building, alongside the pop-up library, allowing residents to continue accessing Council services.
Staff who are normally based at 36 Weld Street are working remotely, supported by Council's IT systems and infrastructure. Additional IT and employee wellbeing support services have also been put in place.
Council has also established a response team made up of Senior Leadership Team members to oversee the organisation's response and ensure services continue to be delivered.
"We've been really encouraged by the way our staff have responded," Ms Phillips said.
"There has been a strong focus on maintaining services for our community while also supporting staff through a period of uncertainty. Managers and staff remain in regular contact and continue to work effectively through remote arrangements."
Council has also worked with partner organisations, including Police and Chorus, to ensure arrangements are in place should access to equipment located within the building be required.
What Happens Next?
The current closure remains an investigation period and should not be seen as a decision on the long-term future of the building.
Council is continuing to seek further clarification from engineers regarding the report and its implications.
The information gathered during this process will be brought together into a report for elected members to consider. At this stage, the Chief Executive is aiming to hold a briefing on 9 October for elected members to provide an update on the status of the building and any potential next steps.
Council will continue to keep the community informed as further information becomes available.