Public Access To Clock Tower Resumes But Future Work Likely

Tests on the War Memorial clock tower in Seymour Square show that, while the structure only just meets the minimum structural soundness required by the Building Code, the exterior stonework appears secure.

The clock tower is to be reopened to the public but more work is likely to be needed in future to meet tighter safety standards signalled as a result of the Commission of Inquiry into the Christchurch earthquake.

A structural report assesses the clock tower as meeting 35% of the Building Code’s seismic loading standard for new buildings. Anything below 33% is deemed earthquake-prone.

Marlborough District Council manager of assets and services Mark Wheeler said the report, from Aurecon (engineering consultants), says further investigations are going to be necessary to establish how foundation strengthening should proceed. A decision would then have to be made about the timeframe for the remedial work, he said.

“We have to face up to the fact that some further work may be required. Council’s overall earthquake-prone building policy is currently under review and we’re also aware that local bodies may well be expected to enforce higher standards of building safety in future as a consequence of the Christchurch earthquake. But in the meantime, in terms of current rules and policies, the clock tower complies with the minimum standard.”

Adhesion testing of the stonework has revealed no problems and the stones that were tested will be re-fixed into place. Mr Wheeler said that work should be completed tomorrow.

“The stonework has passed the adhesion test so that’s a relief – and it’s very pleasing to be able to confirm that the original mortar work done by Blenheim stonemasons George and John Munro and Robert Vass is standing the test of time,” he said.

Mr Wheeler said local authorities had to take a cautious approach once there was a suggestion of risk to the public.

He said the adhesion tests were recommended by the engineers who looked at the clock tower’s overall soundness.

“A piece of a cornice did break off about 18 months ago and at that time a local stonemason and a structural engineer did check that out for us and gave it the all clear. Now we’ve had the further reassurance about the stonework and, together with the engineer’s report, we have a pretty full picture of the overall structure – a report our Council insurers will be pleased to receive.”

The temporary fence around the Seymour Street clock tower will be dismantled on Wednesday.

“I think most people understood that the safety of the public is our first responsibility and that the investigation was done for that reason. Then we all had to accept that it would take a bit of time because of the pressure of work that the country’s specialist engineers are under in the wake of Christchurch. Other regions have just had to wait in line because there have been more pressing priorities down there,” he said.

The clock will be re-wound as soon as the site is clear.