Quake rules could force visitor attraction to close

Dunedin's Larnach Castle may be forced to close its doors to visitors if new earthquake strengthening rules come into force.

The Barker family, owners of the well-known tourist attraction, fear they may have to raise a seven-figure sum to comply with new standards, the Otago Daily Times reported today.

"We could leave it, and that could mean the attraction is lost to Dunedin, but none of us really want it to come to that not just because of some ridiculous rules," Norcombe Barker said.

The rules in the Building Act 2004 change the definition of what constitutes a moderate earthquake, and require all councils to develop a policy to deal with potentially earthquake-prone buildings.

The Dunedin City Council's draft strategy requires buildings four or more storeys high, buildings with an occupancy of more than 500 people, or properties listed as a category 1 historic place, to be assessed for compliance within two years.

Mr Barker said changes to Larnach Castle could cost millions.

Engineers had advised the castle, with its 90cm-thick walls, would survive the sort of earthquake that would leave the rest of New Zealand in rubble, he said.

Dunedin City Council strategy and development manager Peter Brown said the draft policy, which is open for public consultation until February 24, was still very fluid.

Dunedin South MP David Benson-Pope said councils could apply the Act as relevant to their own areas, so it was important for building owners to make submissions to local policies.

- NZPA