By Wyatt Ryder
Safety precautions have been taken outside a Dunedin building after a concerned citizen informed the city council about precarious-looking cracks.
The facade of 170 Rattray St, the former Drake Leather building, is showing some cracks. Photo: ODT / Gerard O'Brien
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.
McMullen said he informed the council about the crack as soon as he noticed it.
Photo: ODT / Gerard O'Brien
The building is across the road from the site of the former Dragon Cafe building, which was pulled down after its roof collapsed 10 years ago.
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, Henderson said.
McMullen said he hoped the engineer was correct and respected their judgement, but only time would tell.
The building is owned by John Farry and Tony Clear's company Farry Clear Ltd.
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.
Clear did not respond for comment.
This story first appeared in the Otago Daily Times.