Trafalgar Centre and School of Music closed until 2016
Two of Nelson’s major events centres will remain closed until 2016, announced Nelson City Council on Monday.
Opus has been appointed to oversee the earthquake strengthening of the Trafalgar Centre and the Nelson School of Music auditorium, with construction not due to be finished until 2016.
The Trafalgar Centre was closed in December last year after it was deemed a risk to human life in the event of an earthquake.
The Nelson School of Music followed a few weeks later for similar reasons and the announcement yesterday, that two project managers have been appointed, is the first major step since.
For the Trafalgar Centre, concept plans are due on December 1 this year and detailed drawings due in June 2015, with the aim to have it open by February 2016 – more than two years after it was shut.
The Nelson School of Music’s concept plans are due on January 20, 2015 with detailed drawings due in September 2015 with the aim to have it open by December 2016 – three years after it was shut.
Nelson mayor Rachel Reese has welcomed the appointments.
“We’ve pledged to do all we can to find workable, affordable solutions to reopen both these highly valued community facilities. Opus is aware of the need for urgency and has committed to delivering to a tight time-frame.”
The project managers will begin work within the week in order to keep things moving, she says.
“We understand what an important role both venues play in the artistic, sporting and recreational lives of many people in our community.”
