These assessments are ongoing and further assessments will be needed to accurately determine the safety of the building and the extent of damage. While the focus has been on the central city, assessments will also be conducted across the rest of the city and Banks Peninsula.
In general, where some level of strengthening has already been undertaken by property owners, buildings have fared well.
However, many buildings have minor to moderate damage which will need to be attended to in the coming weeks to ensure normal business and public access can resume.
Well known Christchurch landmarks that have fared well include the Provincial Chambers, the Christchurch Cathedral, the Arts Centre, Christ’s College and the Public Trust building and other buildings on Oxford Terrace.
One building that has suffered extensive damage is the Repertory Theatre in Kilmore St - just months ahead of a major restoration project.
While a very small number of buildings have extensive damage, further assessment will determine whether they can be restored.
"We encourage building owners to seek appropriate advice from structural engineers and architects and take steps in the interim to reduce damage and cost by keeping them weather-tight," says Urban Design and Heritage Team Leader Ceciel DelaRue.
"The support of the Historic Places Trust, conservation architects and structural engineers in our assessment of heritage buildings has been invaluable today and will allow us to gain a clearer picture during the coming days," she says.
For more information, call 027 241 0244 .
