Earthquake potential sees Cargo Shed scrapped

The future of the Cargo Shed is now more uncertain than ever.

Six months ago, the inside of the Cargo Shed - the iconic building on prime waterfront real estate on Dive Crescent - was set to be upgraded in time for the upcoming summer season.

The fire alarm system and electrics, as well as the kitchen and bathroom areas, were earmarked for improvements, supported by general maintenance and repairs.

This week, however, those plans were scrapped, and all talk of artists and crafts people returning to the Cargo Shed after Tauranga City Council shut them out two years ago, has been silenced.

Talk of theatre groups and wedding parties using the venue has also gone quiet, and the future of the cargo shed is now more uncertain than ever.

Tauranga City Council this week decided that upgrades won't continue because of the results of a geotechnical assessment.

The assessment shows the premises 'would be susceptible” in the event of seismic activity, or an earthquake, and would require extensive foundation improvements to stabilise the property and reduce risk during such an event.

In addition, significant structural improvement would be required to bring the Cargo Shed up to today's standards.

Because of the cost of upgrading the shed to meet those standards, the council will not continue with the upgrades and will take no more bookings.

The future of the whole of the Dive Crescent area remains unclear, and any development would require the council and the Otamataha Trust to obtain legal title for the land from the Crown.

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