Cashel Street re-opens and update on Treetech New Year's Eve Celebration

The area of Cashel Street, between Colombo Street and Oxford Terrace, that has been closed since the Boxing Day aftershocks re-opened to pedestrians at 9am today (Wednesday 29 December).

Unsafe buildings have been cordoned off and some building owners in the area are currently undertaking remedial work so the public is advised to exercise caution in the street.

Christchurch City Council building inspectors and contracted structural engineers have evaluated about 5000 buildings within the four avenues since the 4.9 magnitude aftershock on Sunday. Around 115 require remedial work after sustaining damage during the weekend.

Meanwhile, Council structural engineers are currently re-examining buildings around Cathedral Square to determine whether the Treetech New Year’s Eve Celebration can still go ahead in the Square.. A decision about whether the event should proceed will be made later this afternoon. Other locations have been ruled out.

City Environment Group General Manager Jane Parfitt says Council’s main concern is public safety. “We are working hard to ensure this event can go ahead but we want to ensure that if it is held, that people can enjoy their New Year’s celebrations safely.”