Editorial: Maybe our heritage buildings aren't so high risk

Mark Dawson, editor of Wanganui Chronicle

The prospect of number 1 Victoria Avenue being knocked down has sent a shiver down the spine of those who value Whanganui's built heritage.

The imposing corner building, like a number of those in the central business district - and especially along Victoria Avenue - does not meet proscribed standards of earthquake-proofing.

In the eyes of bureacracy, it is a risk which must be dealt with and, as the cost of earthquake-strengthening is substantial and many of these buildings are hard to tenant, one can hardly blame the owners for thinking demolition is the answer.

Whanganui District Council has delayed a decision on number 1, saying it needs more information, which at least gives council a bit of time to grapple with the problem.

But if one goes, is that the start of a domino effect, and what will be left of the old heritage buildings which so characterise Whanganui? Classed as the Old Town Conservation Zone, these buildings are a cherished and admired part of our environment and attract visitors who gaze on them enviously.

Central government legislation has basically said strengthen them or get rid of them, and yesterday Whanganui District Council's audit and risk committee - one suspects
somewhat reluctantly - was looking at a 12-year to 25-year deadline for action.

One can look at the new retail develepment at the old AA building at 72 Victoria Avenue, where the old city facade has been retained with new shops built behind it, as one positive way forward, but that won't work everywhere.

An old brick building behind George's Avenue fish shop is also due for demolition. Interestingly, it survived considerable pressure applied to it by a team of earthquake engineers and it still stands - delapidated but solid.

In fact, as the Christchurch earthquake tragically illustrated, it is more modern edifices which tend to collapse rather than the tough nuts from the early 1900s.

So perhaps there needs to be a re-think about just how dangerous these "earthquake-prone" buildings really are - plus a look at how "scientific" the assessments are that may be condemning some of our finest structures to the wrecking ball.