Lyttelton Recreation and Community Centre closes

The Lyttelton Recreation and Community Centre has closed today (Monday 5 December) until further notice.

After completing a detailed engineering evaluation of the facility, engineers have recommended that the centre should close until more assessments are carried out. They have also recommended that the facility will need to be earthquake-strengthened.

The Centre consists of two adjoining buildings – a community centre built in 1963 and a recreation centre built in 1984.

Engineers conducted a Level Two Rapid Assessment of the building after the 22 February earthquake and it received a green sticker.

A Level Two Rapid Assessment is a visual inspection of the inside and outside of the building to identify any obvious structural damage. This latest assessment is a more detailed evaluation of the building, including an estimation of its capacity to withstand future earthquakes. It is part of an ongoing process being carried out by the Council to proactively ensure all its facilities undergo full engineering reviews after the earthquakes.

Christchurch City Council Community Services General Manager Michael Aitken says the Council is conscious that the closure will cause inconvenience for members of the community who use the facility or who have upcoming events booked.

“However, the safety of those using the facility is our priority and we must ensure they are not put at risk in the event of future earthquakes,” he says.