A real estate agent says the Christchurch City Council was "unprofessional" not to advise him of earthquake design concerns at a new central city building. Three engineering companies have raised multiple serious concerns with the steel frame, foundations, piles and a column at the unoccupied building in the main shopping precinct. He was told it was awaiting a final certificate of code compliance, but he said neither the developer, Hyan Kim, or the city council told him they were dealing with serious seismic concerns. 230 High Street Christchurch is the narrow, glass-fronted building in the centre. Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment said Christchurch City Council was responsible for "considering information relating to the building and its safety".

Source: Otago Daily Times May 22, 2019 01:52 UTC