New Christchurch office building has serious flaws- engineers

A new office building in central Christchurch's main shopping precinct has many serious flaws in its earthquake design according to three leading engineering companies - including one in a government-commissioned report.

230 High Ste during its construction - Photo Google Maps

Construction of the seven-storey building at 230 High Street carried on even after the city council was first warned in December 2017 by engineering firm Aurecon of its concerns about "the adequacy of the design of the primary structural framing", according to a report leaked to RNZ.

The engineer who designed it, Joo Hyun Cho of Seismotech Consulting in Christchurch, told RNZ it was all a matter of a difference of engineering opinion.

"I'm still happy with my design," Mr Joo said.

The city council last night said its senior structural engineer had reviewed all reports about the building, including Beca's, and was "satisfied that this is not a dangerous or earthquake-prone building".

"Naturally, given events in the city over the past nine years, public safety is of paramount importance," said Leonie Rae, council's manager of consenting and compliance, in a statement.

Read the full article on Radio NZ website here