Kmart not opening until error fixed
SHOPPERS will not be allowed inside Queenstown’s new Kmart store until construction problems are ‘‘fully rectified’’ after a worker cut steel bars between its foundations and walls.
Nationwide firm Dominion Constructors Ltd was issued with a ‘‘Notice to Fix’’ by the Queenstown Lakes District Council in late August after the worker’s errors and is carrying out remedial works on the Frankton Flats site.
Council inspectors said this was of ‘‘obvious concern’’ and the authority will not approve public use of the building, which is part of the new Queenstown Central shopping complex, until it was satisfied the issues had been resolved.
Dominion Constructors managing director Brett Russell said it was ‘‘disappointing to see that a matter resolved several weeks ago is being raised because of a post via social media’’, referring to claims made on Facebook this week about safety on the site.
‘‘Dominion has been working collaboratively with QLDC, the developer and their respective engineers to investigate the scope of the issue and ensure the correct fix is under way.’’
The 4000sq m store had been due to open today but the date has been moved to October 18.
Despite the council confirming the worker’s errors and stating it would need to sign off on completed remedial works before the building is used, Dominion maintained the delay was ‘‘predominantly caused by weather conditions’’.
Both Dominion and Queenstown Central said heavy snow and rainfall caused delays to car parking and road sealing works on the site.
Dominion and Queenstown Central have both cooperated fully with the council to remedy the issue and approval for remedial work to begin was granted on September 21.
QLDC building control inspections team leader Jonathan Shaw confirmed yesterday that remedial works are under way at the site.
‘‘The QLDC Building Services team investigated and then issued the notice as soon as we were made aware of these construction issues,’’ he said.
He said the council had been closely monitoring the remedial engineering design and work on the site since the notice was issued.
‘‘QLDC is confident that once these works are completed and approved that the building will be compliant and therefore safe for the public and the businesses operating from those premises.’’
Dominion said yesterday it will ‘‘complete remedial works to be 100% NBS compliant for approval by QLDC’’ and the building will be made safe, ready for use by customers and businesses.
‘‘We’re grateful for the cooperation of the Queenstown Lakes District Council and all parties in working to ensure we can resolve this matter and complete what will be an exciting development for Queenstown and the whole district,’’ Mr Russell said.
Head of business services at Registered Master Builders, Brian Rosenburg, confirmed the group was not aware of the issues on the Kmart site.
Queenstown Central spokesman Simon Holloway did not respond to requests for comment before deadline.
The $100 million first stage of the project includes about 10,000sq m of shopping space spread across four buildings and about 4000sq m of office space.
The project will house about 45 tenants.