Carpenter Timothy McMullen said he was worried parts of the building at 170 Rattray St could collapse if the building continued to be neglected.
There would be ‘‘no warning’’ when it did.
‘‘It will be so quick. If someone’s under it they’re going to be dead.’’
He would like to see the building restored if possible, but demolishing it would be better than leaving it to crack more.
‘‘How many other buildings are going down this path?’’ he said.
Mr McMullen said he informed the council about the crack as soon as he noticed it.
City council building solutions manager Paul Henderson said it had been in contact with the owner’s agent to discuss the state of the building.
The council issued a notice to fix and a structural engineer had since inspected the building and did not believe it was at risk of collapse in the normal course of events.
The engineer recommended planked scaffolding, which had since been installed, to protect pedestrians from any falling plaster.
The council was satisfied the risks had been addressed and the notice to fix was expected to be lifted, Mr Henderson said.
Mr McMullen said he hoped the engineer was correct and respected their judgement, but only time would tell.
The building is owned by Philip Laing House Limited.
Director and shareholder John Farry said he believed the building was scheduled for demolition, but as he did not have much involvement with the site he could not be sure.
| Philip Laing House Limited |
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I always walk on the other side of the road as it is obvious that the structure is safe. Well done Timothy McMullen for reporting it. As for the owners John Farry and Tony Clear they are clearly suffering from 'demolition by neglect ', a common condition in Dunedin. Restoration is needed here.
This situation illustrates the total stupidity of DCC and it’s disconnection with the community. DCC is spending huge amounts amounts of money on rainbow crossings, sculptures, and painting dots on the road while the buildings in our city are falling to pieces before their eyes. The derelict and crumbling buildings in the CBD are now a serious danger and hazard to the community and DCC is satisfied the risks have been addressed. What a laugh; DCC is a disgrace and should be ashamed at what they have allowed to happen to a once beautiful city!