Nelson Arts Festival director Sophie Kelly and city councillor Gaile Noonan outside the Energy Centre at Founders Heritage Park after it was re-opened last Friday. Photo: Andrew Board.

Energy Centre opens in time for arts fest

0
1566

Work to strengthen the Energy Centre at Founders Heritage Park has been finished in time for this month’s Nelson Arts Festival.

The centre was closed in July due to its failure to meet earthquake standards. At the time it left several bookings out in the cold. But on Friday the Nelson City Council announced the centre would open in time for the start of the arts festival, next Thursday.

Festival spokesperson, coun-cillor Gaile Noonan, says it’s fantastic the work is complete in time for the festival, especially since the centre is due to host several key events.

“The Energy Centre hosts the festival mainstage where some of our main acts will be performing, including Open-souls, The Grenell Family Band and Mike Nock and NZTrio.

“I’m really pleased this structural work has been carried out urgently for what is set to be an amazing arts festival. The council has ensured public safety in the building has been prioritised.”

The Energy Centre was closed after detailed assess-ments revealed a critical structural weakness in the building.

The venue has been strengthened to more than 34 per cent of new building standards and under the budgeted cost of $90,000.

Structurally strengthening the building involved installing roof and wall bracings, and upgrading the beam connections. A new fire alarm system and fire exit door have also been put in.

Physical work to strengthen the Granary building to more than 34 per cent of the NBS, and Duncan House to 67 per cent is also complete.

Tickets to the festival are available at nelsonartsfestival.co.nz