Seismic assessment released for Hastings War Memorial Library

A detailed seismic assessment of the Hastings War Memorial Library, undertaken by WSP for Hastings District Council, shows the building is potentially at risk in a significant earthquake.

The assessment resulted in a rating of 20 per cent NBS (percentage of New Building Standard) for both the original portion of the building built in 1957, and the extension which was built in 1992. A building with an earthquake rating of less than 34 per cent NBS is considered to be earthquake-prone.

The library building’s low seismic rating indicates uncertainty as to how the building would respond in significant but rare earthquakes. However, a risk assessment report says the building is not at risk of failure in smaller more frequent earthquakes.

The seismic risk evaluation report by Kestrel Group said: “Continued occupancy and use of the building is appropriate while plans for the building are being developed and implemented.”

The library will remain open while appropriate plans are developed to bring its seismic rating above 34 per cent NBS. As with other earthquake-prone buildings of this type, Council will have 15 years to undertake the necessary remediation work.

Group manager of community wellbeing and services Rebekah Dinwoodie said Council had taken the advice of experts when considering the immediate future and public use of the library.

“The building is not considered to be at any imminent risk of failure in a moderate earthquake. The likelihood of an earthquake large enough to cause structural failure in any given year, or over a five to 10-year period, is considered low.”

While the building is considered safe for the public to use, if preferred there are alternative options available to access library services: the Flaxmere and Havelock North libraries or the eLibrary via the Hastings District Libraries website.

A project page has been added to the Hastings District Council website at the link here.

On the page is the full WSP Detailed Seismic Assessment report, the Kestrel Group seismic risk evaluation report, and a list of FAQs. The page will be updated as plans are developed by Council to address the issue.

15 January 2024

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