Unsafe building, no safety gear
A dangerous building in west Auckland was sinking and cracking but a tenant claims he went inside the structure without a hard hat or safety gear.
Robert D’Cruze owner of Delicious Cake & Pastry said he was able to go inside his New Lynn shop for two hours on March 16. The building was issued a dangerous building notice and red stickered after suffering flood damage on March 12.
D’Cruze said he, his wife and two people hired to move equipment were allowed inside the shop without any safety equipment while council staff were present. Another tenant Saneli Pauli, who owns Club Fiafia on the first floor of the building, said he was also allowed to access the club to recover his equipment. Part of his club is located in the western side of the building which suffered severe damage.
Council said on March 22 a warrant had been issued to undertake the emergency partial demolition of the Probett Building.
Paul Gillett, the owner of Precision Printing near the site, said the western side of the Probett Building was under significant pressure and he saw the structure sink down about six inches earlier this week.
Barry Potter, director infrastructure and environmental services confirmed the 48-year-old building, which housed at least three other businesses, contained asbestos.
On March 20 council said the building would be partially demolished by the owner that day. Council took over the job on March 21.
Council said partial demolition would commence on March 22. Auckland Council said a track near the building would also be cleared on March 23 to allow machinery to access the Clark St culvert - several trees had already been removed.
Some utility infrastructure would also need to be moved and there was a chance it would cause ’’minor disruptions’’, Potter said.
Council said there would be a need for traffic management on Great North Rd during the demolition and work on the culvert.
He said council is moving quickly to clear the culvert before the rain forecast for the weekend. In case of rain the water levels will be managed using pumps to remove excess water, they cross Great North Rd and would be covered by plates for vehicles to drive across.