New station ayearoff completion

‘‘The two remaining floors, that will house the majority of police staff, will be completed in stages between October 2022 and March 2023.’’

Police spokesperson

Construction on the Palmerston North police station is taking shape after earthquake strengthening and refurbishment work began in December.

The 1970s building on Church St previously underwent an estimated $9 million retrofit and three-story extension ahead of its opening as a police station in 2005.

However, a 2019 engineering report by Beca revealed the refurbished building, designed by Kevin O’Connor and Associates, was one of at least eight city structures that had potential deficiencies.

The design flaw showed a weakness in the connection between the older and newer structures affecting its seismic performance.

Speaking to Stuff in May 2020, a police spokesperson said the original building was an acceptable design solution in 2004, when work on the original building was carried out.

‘‘The work was undertaken in accordance with the then current design practice and to the building codes in force at that time.’’

Since December the station has housed its public front counter in the police central district headquarters next door.

A police spokesperson said work was progressing well, and the ground floor would be completed in stages over the coming months.

‘‘The two remaining floors, that will house the majority of police staff, will be completed in stages between October 2022 and March 2023.’’

Initial staff work areas were expected to be occupied from May and the balance of the ground floor work was due to be completed late July.

That would include a new public counter as well as community meeting and interview rooms.