Ōpua Community Hall closed after landslide risk identified

Detailed summary

A popular community hall in Ōpua has been closed as a precaution after engineers assessed a landslide behind the building posed a risk to hall users and nearby residents. Far…

A geotech report found a potential risk to life from the slip behinf the Ōpua Community Hall. Photo / FNDC

A popular community hall in Ōpua has been closed as a precaution after engineers assessed a landslide behind the building posed a risk to hall users and nearby residents.

Far North District Council (FNDC) issued a Dangerous Building Notice for the Ōpua Community Hall on November 6, after a follow-up geotech report issued on November 4 identified a potential risk to life from a slip behind the hall.

The slip is reported to have occurred during a heavy rainfall event early this year.

As a precaution, nearby residents were notified of the risk posed by the slip last week, with access to parts of Parry St restricted until permanent stabilisation works are completed.

FNDC delivery and operations group manager Hilary Sumpter said the safety of residents and hall users was the council’s top priority.

She acknowledged the slip assessment had taken longer than ideal, but said action is now underway, with council representatives meeting Ōpua Community Hall members on Wednesday to discuss the closure, next steps and how the community will be kept informed.

“This is a well-used and popular facility and I recognise that the closure will be disappointing for many, but the current risk means the hall cannot safely remain open,” Sumpter said.

“We are asking everyone to stay clear of the slip and restricted areas and to follow all safety notices, barriers and signage.

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