Opera house theatre closed

HBT141204-22.JPG Hawkes Bay opera house in Hastings, after a press conference to announce the immediate closure of the opera house due to concerns that the theatre is earthquake prone. Photog

Hawke's Bay Opera House's Theatre Building has been closed following engineering advice that it is earthquake prone.

Several million dollars was spent upgrading the 99-year-old building, owned by Hastings District Council, between 2004 and 2007.

"A 2013 report on the earthquake strength of the Opera House Theatre provided assurances over building safety but advised that further work be done," Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule said today.

"Council has taken the prudent approach of commissioning further investigation. This work involved invasive testing of the structure and foundations, and the indicative verbal advice that we have now received is that the theatre is earthquake prone."

The verbal advice of the lower earthquake rating has been received from engineers in advance of the finalised testing and reports which are due on March 21.

Mr Yule said the council was surprised by the advice, given the strengthening work that had been part of the upgrade carried out only a few years ago.

Concerts and events scheduled for the theatre have been rescheduled for other venues in Hawke's Bay.

Other businesses based in the Opera House complex were not affected by the earthquake prone warning and would continue to operate.