The NZDF announced yesterday it would move its three Dunedin units into the former site of Farmlands, in Cumberland St.
The Royal New Zealand Navy Reserve Unit and New Zealand Army Reserve Units, based in Kensington Army Hall, along with the Defence Careers office, will all relocate over the next 18 months.
The Kensington Army Hall, in Bridgman St, and HMNZS Toroa, in St Andrew St, were both assessed by the Dunedin City Council as being earthquake-prone.
Defence Force vice chief Air Vice-Marshal Tony Davies said while remedial work had been done in recent years, parts of the buildings had to be isolated from routine use to ensure staff safety.
"Remedial actions have mitigated the risk associated with the buildings, but they were never intended to provide a long-term solution to the structural issues in buildings of this age.
"Co-locating our various Dunedin facilities into an engineer-approved, fit-for-purpose building will not only provide a safe working environment but there will be real benefits that come from integrating our 150-plus Otago-based permanent and Reserve NZDF personnel into the one location," he said.
The NZDF took possession of the building last month and work had begun on internal design changes to meet each unit’s specific requirements.
This work was expected to be completed late next year, though some units could move in earlier.
The Army Hall was built in 1915, while the Otago Division of the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, later to be commissioned HMNZS Toroa, was established in 1928 and shared the hall before moving to the central city in 1948.
