Cracked chimney: Woolworths told to take action

Woolworths has been instructed to take immediate action to address the risk posed by a cracked chimney at the old Dunedin Gasworks potentially collapsing onto its supermarket. The Dunedin City Council has announced that the Dunedin Gasworks Museum will be cordoned off while options for the chimney stack are being considered. However, neighboring businesses will still be able to operate as usual.

An “Affected Building Notice” has been issued for the Dunedin South Woolworths in Andersons Bay Rd, specifically for one small corner of the supermarket that is under threat. The council’s Group Manager Property Services, Anna Nilsen, stated that although cracks in the upper part of the chimney are concerning, the lower sections have not shown significant changes recently according to an engineer’s report.

The council has also issued a dangerous building notice for the gasworks site, prohibiting public access until the chimney issues are resolved. The Gasworks Museum is expected to remain closed over the Easter weekend, with plans to potentially reopen next week with restricted access to certain areas.

The council is working diligently to ensure public safety while addressing the structural concerns at the gasworks site, which is a Category 1 historic place owned by the council. Ms Nilsen emphasized the importance of keeping all affected parties informed and ensuring that public safety remains the top priority.

It is evident that the structural issues at the gasworks site are a cause for concern, with evidence of new cracks and movement observed in recent drone footage. Precautionary steps are being taken based on expert advice to mitigate any potential risks to public safety.

The council and relevant parties are working together to address the structural issues at the gasworks site and ensure that the community can continue to enjoy this valuable gathering space. Public safety is paramount, and all necessary measures will be taken to address the situation promptly.

– APL