P & K Building Report

The old Pain and Kershaw building, which has been gracing the Square for over one hundred years, has received its earthquake safety report. Like most ‘URBs’ (unreinforced brick buildings) the news initially wasn’t good with a fairly low compliance figure.  

However, engineers believe strengthening after the 1942 earthquakes in the exterior walls may have been more comprehensive than at first thought; more thorough tests have been carried out and a new rating is pending.
The Clothing Department shares a wall with the library and received a similar report to it – but unlike the South Wairarapa District Council, owner David Kershaw does not intend to close it down immediately.  

Future options will be considered and any strengthening, alterations or building replacement must be completed by the year 2021.