Dunedin Centre seismic strengthening planning underway

Municipal Chambers, Glenroy Auditorium and the Town Hall were found to be earthquake-prone, with ratings of approximately 15% of the New Building Standard (NBS), following Detailed Seismic Assessments completed by engineering consultancy WSP. A building is classified as earthquake-prone when it is assessed at less than 34% NBS. The assessments identified different levels of complexity and options for managing the seismic risks across the buildings.

Council identified $5 million for this work in the most recent Long Term Plan, and detailed planning for this is underway, with physical works expected to begin in October 2027. The strengthening will focus on specific areas of the buildings where improvements can make the greatest difference to their seismic performance. The work is expected to lift both buildings above 34% NBS.

The Town Hall and Glenroy Auditorium remain in use while strengthening plans progress, and the buildings are considered safe to operate and host events.

Municipal Chambers has a more complex seismic risk profile than the Town Hall and Glenroy Auditorium. After considering the associated risks and recommendations, both DCC and Dunedin Venues staff agreed to close Municipal Chambers for use as an events venue and to limit its access and occupancy while options for strengthening and other measures to manage the seismic risk are investigated.

This does not mean Municipal Chambers has been declared unsafe to enter or hazardous, or that the building is at immediate risk. Rather, the assessment identified a different level of seismic risk that needs to be managed, and a cautious approach is being taken while options are considered.

Council operations, including meetings, moved out of Municipal Chambers in 2022 due to the noise and disruption associated with the ongoing exterior refurbishment works.

Options for the future of Municipal Chambers, including the extent of any strengthening work and associated costs, will be considered separately through the next Long Term Plan process. No decisions have yet been made about the extent or cost of any future work.

The importance of the Municipal Chambers as a Category 1 heritage building is widely recognised and valued by Council and staff. The exterior heritage restoration project will continue as part of the wider programme of investment across the Dunedin Centre (which comprises the three different buildings).

You can find more about heritage restoration project.

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