Waipukurau Library Closed Until Further Notice: Statement from Chief Executive Monique Davidson

Statement from Chief Executive, Monique Davidson

On Friday 29 May 2020 Council made the decision to temporarily close the Waipukurau Library, after receiving advice from engineers that the building has structural vulnerabilities which mean it may not perform well in the event of a significant earthquake.

As part of the development of asset management plans for the 2021- 2031 Long Term Plan, Council are taking the time to review the condition of its key assets. This included the completion of a desk top seismic assessment report of the Waipukurau Library. The initial findings of this report triggered Council to request a full detailed seismic assessment report of the Waipukurau Library.

While the completion of this detailed seismic assessment report is still ongoing, physical intrusive inspection of the building by engineers has provided sufficient information to Council, to as a precautionary measure close the Waipukurau Library while we await the completion of the further detailed seismic assessment report.

The Waipukurau Library was renovated in 2016, which included both Council and Community expectation that the building was earthquake strengthened. The completion of the detailed seismic assessment is required, before Council can comment further on the work completed in 2016 and the exact nature of the current building condition.

The building will be closed to the public until further notice, and is a precautionary measure while the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council awaits the completion of the further detailed seismic assessment report.

It is the safety of our staff and customers that is of primary concern to us.

As things become clearer over the coming weeks, we will be able to determine a way forward for the building and our library services.

Please read below for answers to frequently asked questions.

Why did the Council commission the report?

As part of the development of asset management plans for the 2021- 2031 Long Term Plan, Council are taking the time to review the condition of its key assets. This included the completion of a desk top seismic assessment report of the Waipukurau Library. The initial findings of this report triggered Council to request a full detailed seismic assessment report of the Waipukurau Library.

When did you receive the report?

Council received an initial desktop assessment in March 2020. The initial findings of this report triggered Council to request a full detailed seismic assessment report of the Waipukurau Library. This report is yet to be completed but on Thursday 28 May 2020, Council received information that led to the decision to temporarily close the library.

Has the engineers’ report been peer reviewed? 

On receipt of the full detailed seismic assessment report, Council are likely to engage a peer review.

Why is the Library closed when you are still waiting for the final report?

The early assessment including physical intrusive inspection, revealed that the building has structural vulnerabilities that mean it may not perform well in the event of a significant earthquake.

Is the building safe?

The building is not damaged but the vulnerabilities identified are such that we have made the decision to close the building to the public. This is a precautionary measure until the completion of the full detailed seismic assessment report.

When will the library reopen?

The building will remain closed until further notice. On completion of the engineering report we can start to investigate options and make some decisions about what approach we take. 

Wasn’t the Waipukurau Library earthquake strengthened in 2016?

The Waipukurau Library was renovated in 2016, which included both Council and Community expectation that the building was earthquake strengthened. The completion of the detailed seismic assessment is required, before Council can comment further on the work completed in 2016 and the exact nature of the current building condition.

With the Waipukurau Library building closed, how can people access library services?

We are looking at a range of options for continuing to offer library services, and as things become clearer over the coming weeks, we will be able to determine a way forward for the building and our library services.

The Waipawa Library was due to open from Tuesday 2 June and will continue to do so.

ENDS

11 September 2020

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