Detailed Seismic Assessment completed on Rotorua Blue Baths
30 June 2021
Detailed Seismic Assessment completed on Rotorua Blue Baths
The Blue Baths, a much-loved heritage building in Rotorua, has been closed while a Detailed Seismic Assessment of the building was completed.
Last year Rotorua Lakes Council commissioned a full geotechnical survey of the ground under the Blue Baths. From this survey, an Initial Seismic Assessment of the building was generated in January 2021 which suggested the Blue Baths were meeting only 15% of New Building Standards (NBS) (33% or under is considered earthquake prone, 34 – 67% is considered an earthquake risk, 68% or above is considered acceptable).
The findings of this report, coupled with the spate of earthquakes experienced in Rotorua on 25 January, led to Council making the decision to close the building on 26 January as a precaution to ensure people’s safety and commissioning an urgent Detailed Seismic Assessment (DSA) of the building, as well as additional ground testing.
Council received the results of the DSA and ground testing in April. The assessment confirmed the building is earthquake prone at 15% NBS and that the ground under the Blue Baths could be liquefiable in a large earthquake event.
Rotorua Lakes Council’s Operations Group Manager, Jocelyn Mikaere, says while disappointing, the safety of people needs to come first.
“The health and safety of people is imperative. We know the Blue Baths is an important building to the Rotorua community but with the building being assessed as earthquake prone, we have made the decision to keep its doors closed for now. We deem the risk to allow a business to continue to operate from the building, in its current state, as unacceptable.
“We will now be working through our options to determine the future of the Blue Baths.”
In the interim, fencing is in place around the building to ensure people’s safety.
Due to Rotorua’s natural environment and the age of buildings in the district, in recent years other buildings in Rotorua have also been found to be an earthquake risk. Work to earthquake strengthen Te Aka Mauri – Rotorua Library, and the Fenton Street iSite, has previously been completed and work to strengthen the Rotorua Museum and Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre is currently underway.
These buildings were identified as being an earthquake risk under legislation introduced following the Christchurch earthquakes. Buildings deemed to be a risk require further assessment to ascertain if they are earthquake-prone and therefore require remedial work. Construction methodology has changed, as has legislation in terms of required standards, and this has affected the safety rating of many buildings, forcing the closure of a number of public council-owned buildings around New Zealand.
FAQS
When and why was the Blue Baths closed?
An Initial Seismic Assessment of the building was generated in January 2021 which suggested the Blue Baths were meeting only 15% of New Building Standards (NBS) (33% or under is considered earthquake prone, 34 – 67% is considered an earthquake risk, 68% or above is considered acceptable).
The findings of this report, coupled with the spate of earthquakes on 25 January, led to Council making the decision to close the building on 26 January as a precaution to ensure people’s safety and commissioning an urgent Detailed Seismic Assessment (DSA) of the building, as well as additional ground testing. If the DSA deemed the building safe, the Blue Baths were intended to be reopened.
However Council received the results of the DSA and ground testing in April 2021 which confirmed the building is earthquake prone at 15% NBS and that the ground under the Blue Baths could be liquefiable in a large earthquake event. For health and safety purposes, Council has made the decision to keep the Blue Baths closed while options are considered.
Why has Council only just announced the closure of the Blue Baths?
Council has been in discussions with the lease holder about the ground conditions under the building since 2019. A decision was made to close the building in January and we remain in discussions with the lease holder about the implications of this.
What has happened to the lease holder?
Council has been working with the lease holder since January 2021 to reach a mutual agreement about the lease.
Why was the initial seismic assessment completed?
As part of Council’s ongoing review of public buildings, the seismic assessment was completed to gain a better understanding of the conditions below the building. Given the nature of the ground under and around the Rotorua Museum, Council commissioned these assessments to ensure the building was safe for people to work in and visit.
What will happen to the Blue Baths now?
Council will be undertaking work to determine the future of the Blue Baths.
Are we safe to walk around the outside of the building?
Yes, there is no immediate risk to people standing nearby the building. Fences have been erected in areas of potential risk should an earthquake occur.
How much has testing and assessments of the building cost?
To date, $84,618.
What is the history of the Blue Baths?
The Blue Baths is an Art deco style building which was originally built by the Department of Tourism and Health Resorts to enhance Rotorua’s worldwide reputation as a geothermal spa destination.
First opened in 1933, it was very popular until about the mid 1950s.
The Blue Baths was closed in 1982 and various options for its future were considered and discussed.
It was reopened in 1999 when Council and developer Mike Romanes entered into a joint project to restore it. It has since been used as an event venue and for bathing.