Seismic strengthening at our parking buildings

We’re carrying out strengthening works at our two parking buildings, to reduce risks to users and potential damage that a significant earthquake could cause.

What do the works involve?

Elizabeth Street parking building (works completed)

The works ran from February to November 2022. They focussed on strengthening the ramp transitions in the first four levels of the building, and the connections between the eastern stair tower and the building.

We undertook the construction in stages, one level at a time, starting from the ground floor and working our way up to minimise the impact on people parking in the building. The works were completed on time and budget, and the car parking building now comfortably exceeds the national building standards for seismic resilience.

Spring Street parking building (in progress)

Works began in June 2022. They consist of drilling throughout the site, adding concrete to the sheer boundary wall on the south end of the building, and adding steel beams vertically throughout the building and to the underside of each floor level. Work began at the lower levels and will move upwards to manage weight factors on the upper levels.

There will be a closure (pedestrian and vehicle) in place at the Durham St entrance for a limited time over the period of works, mostly the building will remain operational albeit at a reduced capacity.

Work will also be undertaken to strengthen the link bridge connecting the Spring St parking building and adjacent rooftop parking at 29 Grey Street. It’s expected this work will take place in late 2022 or early 2023 depending on availability of materials.

Leased parking

When leased parking spaces are impacted, we will provide alternative parking spots. We will contact leaseholders in advance to let them know which parking space they can use instead, and for how long.

If you have any questions on your leased space, contact Care Park on TaurangaCP@carepark.co.nz. Note there are no vacant spaces available for lease at this stage.

Why we’re undertaking this work

We conducted precautionary seismic assessments of our Spring Street and Elizabeth Street parking buildings in 2020, along with all our other council-owned facilities. The assessments highlighted areas where strengthening and remediation work should be carried out to reduce the risk to users and extent of damage a significant earthquake event could cause.

Before the works, parts of both buildings did not meet the minimum 34% ‘new building standard’ (NBS) rating, which technically means they could be classified as earthquake-prone, requiring strengthening or demolition to be carried out within 25 years.

Engineering advice confirmed that the NBS rating does not mean the buildings are dangerous, or that there is any need to change their use. We’re getting ahead of the game and ensuring our parking buildings can stand the test of time (and Mother Nature).

Note: post completion of the works, the Elizabeth Street parking building now achieves a 67% NBS rating.