Vbase Client & Media Statements
Tuesday 9 August 2011 - Friday 17 June 2011 - Monday 13 June 2011 - Tuesday 17 May 2011 - Friday 8 April, 2011
Thursday 17 March, 2011 - Wednesday 16 March, 2011 - Thursday 24 February, 2011
Christchurch City Council Media Release
Friday 17 June 2011
Significant damage at city event facilities
Engineers for the Christchurch City Council are recommending the earthquake-damaged Christchurch Convention Centre and the Hadlee Stand at AMI Stadium be demolished, as evaluations progress at AMI Stadium, the Christchurch Town Hall for the Performing Arts and the Christchurch Convention Centre.
Final decisions on the future of the facilities will not be made until the assessments have been completed, peer reviewed and the outcomes agreed with insurers. An update this morning to the Council from structural and geotechnical engineers gave some indications of what those outcomes might include. They indicated the Christchurch Convention Centre and the Hadlee Stand at AMI Stadium had suffered severe damage. They are recommending demolition of these two buildings, however more time is required to complete assessments at all three event facilities.
Councillor Sue Wells says the assessment process is a huge undertaking and it is likely to be some months before decisions are made.
"The Council is working closely with insurers as these evaluations progress, and while our engineers have indicated their recommendations for some of the buildings involved, decisions on the future of the facilities are still some months away.
"I understand that our community is eager to find out more about the future of our event facilities and we want to ensure they are part of the process of moving our city forward. We have promised to keep residents informed as the work progresses and these latest reports have only been viewed by the Council this morning. We will continue to provide the very latest updates to the community as soon as the information becomes available."
Today's update outlined the lastest information on the three facilities:
AMI Stadium
- The Hadlee Stand has suffered severe earthquake damage and engineers for the Council are recommending it be demolished.
- Re-levelling and other repairs are required on the Tui Stand at the southern end of the stadium.
- More work is required to establish the best outcomes for the Paul Kelly Stand and the Deans Stand. Both have dropped around 300-400mm as a result of the earthquakes. The floors of both stands are uneven, with the floor height of the Paul Kelly Stand varying up to 70mm and the floor height of the Deans Stand varying up to 300mm. Engineers are still working to establish what the most appropriate repair method would be. One method of repair, if it is possible, could require driving piles down 25 metres to reach solid ground.
- Assessments on what is required to repair the turf and associated stormwater and irrigation are ongoing.
Cr Wells says the scale of the re-levelling required on the Tui, Paul Kelly and Deans stands has never been undertaken before in New Zealand and is rare around the world. "Engineers are working now to determine the best method of repair and to establish the costs involved," she says.
"In the meantime the Council is still working with the Canterbury Rugby Football Union on finding an alternative home for rugby in Christchurch. At this stage we can confirm that the stadium will not be available for the 2012 season and we will continue working with everyone involved."
Once the engineering assessments have been completed, peer reviewed and costed, negotiations with insurers will be able to be progressed. These full reports are expected to be presented to the Council in October.
Christchurch Convention Centre
Engineers for the Council believe the Christchurch Convention Centre has suffered so much damage that it should be demolished. The outcome for the building has not yet been settled with insurers but discussions are progressing and an agreement expected soon.
Christchurch Town Hall for the Performing Arts
The main damage to the Town Hall has been caused by land movement rather than structural problems as a result of shaking during the earthquake. The ground has settled and lateral spread has shifted the foundations of the building, with some parts of the building moving 150mm toward the river. The level of the floor in the auditorium now varies by up to 450mm.
Assessments into what is required to repair the building are ongoing, with outcomes expected in November this year.
For more information contact:
Communications Manager Diane Keenan
027 235 3711
Vbase Client & Media Statement
Friday 17 June 2011
Vbase Confirms Downsizing Vbase today confirmed the change proposal for downsizing the company as a result of impacts from the 22 February earthquake and transfer of governance and management control to Christchurch City Council.
Vbase owns and manages Christchurch Convention Centre, Christchurch Town Hall for Performing Arts, AMI Stadium and CBS Canterbury Arena. CBS Canterbury Arena reopened in March however the other three venues remain closed. While AMI Stadium is expected to reopen in stages throughout 2012 there is continuing uncertainty about the future of Christchurch Town Hall for Performing Arts and Christchurch Convention Centre, which will remain closed until at least end of 2013. Assessments are continuing and reassessment is required as a result of the large aftershocks on Monday 13 June.
Prior to the earthquake, Vbase hosted more than 1800 events annually across the four venues. At that time the Vbase team comprised 218 full time equivalent staff, made up of 99 full time positions, 96 part time and 666 casuals. Following confirmation of the change proposal, 45 full time positions have become redundant effective 30 June 2011, while part time/casual hours have reduced in line with the dramatic reduction in event numbers. The restructured organisation now comprises 67 full time equivalent staff, of which 54 are full time positions.
With Council assuming governance and management control the current Board, Chief Executive and five senior management positions have also become redundant. A new position General Manager, Vbase, has been created and recruitment will commence shortly. The role will oversee venue business development and event management and report to Council General Manager, Community Services Michael Aitken. Facilities Management, Human Resources, Finance and Administration, IT and Rebuild Capital Projects will be functionally integrated into Council and these services provided to Vbase under a management contract.
The Vbase Board, Chief Executive and senior management are committed to supporting the Vbase team through the restructure and expediting a smooth transition to direct Council control of the business. This is being lead by Vbase Chief Executive Bryan Pearson and is expected to take 2-3 months.
Bryan Pearson says the Vbase team has provided valuable input into the change proposal. "Many of our team have already suffered loss of some kind in their private lives due to the quakes, but despite these stresses have shown remarkable dignity and compassion at this difficult time. I am enormously proud of them and what we have achieved together".
The downsizing of Vbase delivers fixed overhead cost savings of $3.8 million per annum and has a one-off cost of $1.4 million.
For further information please contact:
Bryan Pearson
Chief Executive
Vbase Ltd
021 996 963
Vbase Client & Media Statement
Friday 10 June, 2011
Christchurch City Council and Vbase Ltd today confirmed the Vbase business will now be governed and managed by Council.
The decision is a result of Vbase's deteriorating financial position due to factors outside of the company's control. Vbase has been impacted by changes to the tax law around the eligibility of depreciation on buildings and also by the February earthquake with three of its four venues closed. Today's decision by Council was based on achieving the most cost effective outcome.
Vbase Ltd owns and commercially manages the Christchurch Convention Centre, Christchurch Town Hall for Performing Arts, AMI Stadium and CBS Canterbury Arena for community benefit - economically, socially and culturally.
Mayor Bob Parker today thanked the Vbase board and management for their professional approach, saying that the rebuild of Christchurch post 22 February 2011 will be complex and challenging. Council is leading the urban redesign of the central city and rebuild of critical public infrastructure. "It will take time to rebuild the venues and the associated business and to bring visitors and events back to the city. While the Vbase business, people and achievements are highly valued, Council has decided to take the governance and management of Vbase ‘in house' during the venue rebuild and business recovery phase."
Along with the Vbase Board of Directors, Chief Executive Bryan Pearson is committed to leading and expediting a smooth transition to Council governance and management of the business. Mr Parker says he hopes that many of the key Vbase staff will continue to work in the new structure.
Bryan Pearson says he is personally and professionally very committed and focussed on ensuring a smooth process for all stakeholders. "My focus as Chief Executive will be on completing the downsizing and restructuring of the business and transitioning key partner and stakeholder relationships to Council over the coming weeks."
Vbase Board of Directors and senior management have been working on a new business plan which included a restructure/down sizing proposal and a lower operating cost model. This will now be implemented.
Vbase has been briefing staff throughout the review process given the potential impact on them and their positions with the company. A formal proposal for down sizing the company will be presented to staff on Monday 13 June and will be implemented by latest end June following a period of consultation. Until the proposal is finalised neither Council nor Vbase will make any further comment.
Vbase has continued working closely with experts to determine the true extent of the venue damage, repair and/or rebuild options and likely timeframes.
Latest information indicates AMI Stadium may now need to re-open in stages through 2012. There is continuing uncertainty about the future of the Christchurch Town Hall for Performing Arts and the Christchurch Convention Centre. Assessments are continuing however it is now anticipated both will remain closed until at least end of 2013. Bryan Pearson says "the ongoing discovery of the extent of damage and the challenges associated with repair are making the job harder by the day".
Vbase Board of Directors acknowledges the outstanding efforts and achievements of the Vbase management and the whole of the Vbase team in building a great business over the last five years. The Council unanimously voted to thank the staff and board of Vbase for their excellent contribution to the city.
For further information please contact:
Mayor Bob Parker
027 443 4575
Bryan Pearson
Chief Executive
Vbase Ltd
021 996 963
Vbase Client & Media Statement
- CHRISTCHURCH TOWN HALL & CONVENTION CENTRE CLOSED UNTIL END 2012
- AMI STADIUM REPAIRS UNDERWAY
Vbase venues host 1800 events annually and bring between $60-100 million of visitor spending into Christchurch every year. The reinstatement of Christchurch Convention Centre, Christchurch Town Hall, AMI Stadium and CBS Canterbury Arena is critical to economic recovery as it will bring visitors back to Christchurch. The many entertainment events the venues host will raise spirits by giving our community something to look forward to in these challenging times.
Vbase has replacement value insurance for all venues and operating equipment as well as business interruption insurance. Consultants and insurers are working closely with Vbase in developing a full understanding of the status of the venues and the work needed to bring them back to life.
Detailed assessments of Christchurch Town Hall and Christchurch Convention Centre are continuing however it is now clear, due to the extent of damage, that it will take up to a further four months to complete full and final assessments and determine the best way forward.
Christchurch Town Hall has suffered significant damage from liquefaction and differential settlement. The full extent of the damage and likely repair will not be known until end August 2011.
Christchurch Convention Centre has also suffered substantial damage. Structural engineering and other assessment was suspended last week while the building is made safe. This process will delay further investigation by up to six weeks and result in a similar timeline to the Town Hall.
As investigation continues the full extent of damage to both venues is emerging and they are now expected to remain closed until at least end 2012.
AMI Stadium repairs are underway. Work required to level the Deans Stand is a priority and a contract will be awarded in early June. Work on rebuilding the playing surface has commenced and will be completed by the end of the year. As previously advised AMI Stadium is expected to reopen in February 2012 in time for Super Rugby and the South African cricket tour of New Zealand. AMI Stadium conference and function facilities will reopen at the same time.
CBS Canterbury Arena has been back in business since late March hosting a range of events including The Mercury Energy Tactix, Wiggles, Andre Rieu and Disturbed. Vbase is grateful for the support of entertainment promoters and artists who are continuing to bring shows to our city, giving the people of Christchurch something to look forward to during these very challenging times.
For further information please contact:
Bryan Pearson
Chief Executive
Vbase Ltd
021 996 963
Vbase Client & Media Statement
Friday 8 April, 2011
- CHRISTCHURCH TOWN HALL AND CONVENTION CENTRE UPDATE
- CBS CANTERBURY ARENA BACK IN BUSINESS
- AMI STADIUM ASSESSMENTS FINALISED
Vbase venues host 1800 events annually and bring between $60-100 million of visitor spending into Christchurch every year. The reinstatement of Christchurch Convention Centre, Christchurch Town Hall, AMI Stadium and CBS Canterbury Arena is critical to economic recovery as it will bring visitors back to Christchurch. The many entertainment events the venues host will raise spirits by giving our community something to look forward to in these challenging times.
Vbase has full replacement value insurance for all venues and operating equipment as well as comprehensive business interruption insurance. Consultants and insurers are working closely with Vbase in developing a full understanding of the status of the four venues and the work that is needed to bring them back to life.
Preliminary assessments of the venues confirmed structural damage to Christchurch Convention Centre, Christchurch Town Hall for Performing Arts and AMI Stadium.
Detailed assessments of Christchurch Town Hall and Christchurch Convention Centre are continuing and will not be finalised until early May 2011. Access to both buildings is limited and assessment of the Christchurch Town Hall has been further impeded by flooding to the basement where all of the buildings electrical and mechanical plant is located.
Christchurch Town Hall suffered extensive damage from differential settlement. The most obvious impacts of this are the Limes Room/Boaters wing, which has separated from the main structure and extensive damage to floors including in the James Hay Theatre and main Auditorium. There is wide spread superficial damage throughout the venue. Christchurch Art Gallery has been engaged to protect or remove the precious artworks from the Christchurch Town Hall and Christchurch Convention Centre. It is not possible to allow access for assessment of the highly acclaimed Town Hall Rieger Organ until power is restored to the building which may take several weeks. Stage one of the Town Hall Conservation and Refurbishment project was underway at the time of the earthquake and further work has now been suspended.
Christchurch Convention Centre suffered moderate structural damage from differential settlement and extensive damage to floors from liquefaction. Again there is wide spread superficial damage throughout the venue. Once all assessments are complete and the extent of repair is known, implications for the proposed Christchurch Convention Centre expansion project will be considered in conjunction with Christchurch City Council and Ministry of Economic Development.
Until all geo technical, structural, architectural, electrical and mechanical assessments are completed it is not possible to provide a full picture of the damage, scope of repair and time frame for reopening of Christchurch Town Hall for Performing Arts and Christchurch Convention Centre. However it is now clear that both venues will remain closed until at least early 2012.
Mayor Bob Parker describes the Town Hall as one Christchurch's great architectural icons. "We need a clear understanding of the scale of work required to preserve this wonderful building. We are determined to ensure the Town Hall continues to be one of the defining features of our city".
"Christchurch Convention Centre is also very important to us as a city. It plays a vital role in attracting business and tourism and we need to move quickly to make sure Christchurch has a large scalefacility to drive this important business" said Mayor Bob Parker
The status of AMI Stadium was announced on 16 March. All assessments have now been finalised and work is underway to fully scope, plan and commence repairs. AMI Stadium will be closed for the remainder of 2011 and is expected to reopen in February 2012 in time for Super Rugby and the South African cricket tour of New Zealand. Due to the extensive repairs required, AMI Stadium conference and function facilities will reopen at the same time and not progressively from September 2011 as previously advised.
CBS Canterbury Arena reopened for normal business from Saturday 26 March. Vbase is supporting Westpac with its outstanding Business Hub initiative located adjacent to CBS Canterbury Arena. CBS Canterbury Arena Ticketek box office is open from 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) for ticket sales to all events. Tickets can also be purchased at www.ticketek.co.nz or phone 0800 TICKETEK (0800 842 538).
For further information please contact:
Bryan Pearson
Chief Executive
Vbase Ltd
021 996 963
Vbase Client & Media Statement
Thursday 17 March, 2011
- CBS CANTERBURY ARENA REOPENING 26 MARCH 2011
- AMI STADIUM CLOSED REMAINDER OF 2011 FOR SPORTING EVENTS
- TOWN HALL AND CONVENTION CENTRE ASSESSMENT CONTINUING
Christchurch Convention Centre, Christchurch Town Hall for Performing Arts, CBS Canterbury Arena and AMI Stadium have remained closed since the earthquake on 22 February.
As previously advised preliminary assessments of the venues confirmed structural damage to Christchurch Convention Centre; Christchurch Town Hall for Performing Arts and AMI Stadium.
The status of AMI Stadium was announced yesterday. The 14,500 square metre playing surface suffered extensive damage due to liquefaction and requires a full rebuild. There is repairable structural damage to the stadium, including the need for ground stability work under a section of the Deans Stand, while there has also been significant superficial damage in all areas of the stadium. AMI Stadium will be closed for the remainder of 2011 for all sporting events and is expected to reopen in February 2012 in time for Super Rugby and the South African cricket tour of New Zealand. AMI Stadium function facilities are likely to progressively reopen from September 2011 onwards.
CBS Canterbury Arena sustained minor damage which has been repaired. Since 22 February the venue has supported Civil Defence needs and is also the temporary head office location of Vbase Ltd. The venue will reopen for normal business from Saturday 26 March. CBS Canterbury Arena Ticketek box office is open from 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) for ticket sales to all events. Tickets can also be purchased at www.ticketek.co.nz or phone 0800 TICKETEK (0800 842 538).
Detailed assessments of Christchurch Town Hall and Christchurch Convention Centre by engineers and other consultants are continuing. This work is taking longer than anticipated due to CBD cordon restrictions and priority given to AMI Stadium. Further information is not expected until Monday 28 March. Both venues remain closed until further notice.
For further information please contact:
Bryan Pearson
Chief Executive
Vbase Ltd
021 996 963
Media Release
Wednesday 16 March, 2011
Vbase has advised Rugby New Zealand 2011 Limited (RNZ2011) that while it may be possible to repair Stadium Christchurch in time for it to host all seven Rugby World Cup matches scheduled for the city it is unable to provide the guarantee required.
AMI Stadium was damaged by the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Christchurch on 22 February. The playing turf suffered extensive damage due to liquefaction and requires a full rebuild. There is repairable structural damage to the Stadium itself while there has been superficial but very significant damage to fixtures and fittings.
Vbase Chief Executive Bryan Pearson advises that while preliminary consultant reports indicate it may be possible to repair AMI Stadium in time for kick-off in September this does not provide for risks to occur nor any associated time delays.
These risks include: the impact of ongoing aftershocks on the repair programme; the possibility of yet-to-be discovered issues with the Stadium's structure, ground stability and turf; and the complexity of undertaking the repair programme alongside planned but not yet executed enhancements to the Stadium to meet RNZ2011 specifications.
Other risk-related issues include insurance, funding, availability of resources to complete the repair and timeliness of consents required.
Vbase moved swiftly to scope damage to AMI Stadium after the earthquake and to determine the scale of repairs required and timelines. It reconvened the Stadium Redevelopment Consulting Team to do this, including the main contractor Fletcher Construction.
Mr Pearson says "despite our best efforts, the timeframes are just too tight for us to provide the guarantee required in our contract with RNZ2011 that AMI Stadium will be ready on time."
"This is disappointing for Vbase, the staff who have worked hard for two years to prepare for the event, Canterbury's rugby community and members of the public."
Vbase remains committed to the Rugby World Cup and has offered its expertise to RNZ 2011.
Repair work will proceed at AMI Stadium with the aim to have it back in action for the 2012 rugby season. The Government is funding the $4.1m restoration of the uninsured Stadium turf. Vbase thanks the Government for this support.
Click here to view the RNZ IRB Christchurch Media Release
Vbase Client & Media Statement
Thursday 24 February, 2011
Christchurch Convention Centre; Christchurch Town Hall for Performing Arts; CBS Canterbury Arena; and AMI Stadium will be closed until at least 15 March 2011. During this time the implications of Tuesday's earthquake on staff, venues and events will be fully assessed.
Preliminary assessments of the venues have confirmed structural damage to AMI Stadium; Christchurch Convention Centre and Christchurch Town Hall for Performing Arts. More detailed assessments are now required and will be completed over coming weeks.
CBS Canterbury Arena sustained minor structural damage. This has been repaired as a priority to enable this facility to be available for Civil Defence needs if required.
AMI Stadium has repairable structural damage, significant damage to fixtures and fittings and liquefaction impacts within the stadium including the playing surface. There is also substantial damage to surrounding streets and infrastructure. As a result the Crusaders are considering options for the home games scheduled at AMI Stadium on 4 and 11 March. Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach said "the Crusaders' preference is to keep those matches within the Franchise region if possible and the Crusaders, NZRU and SANZAR were currently working through the alternative venue options and logistical arrangements." In relation to Rugby World Cup please direct any enquiries to Mike Jaspers at RNZ 2011 Ltd.
Vbase head office has relocated to CBS Canterbury Arena until further notice and can be contacted by email or phone on 03 339 3599, alternatively you can try individual mobile numbers.
We will update media when we have new information and will make no further comment until then.
For urgent please contact enquiries:
Bryan Pearson
Chief Executive
Vbase Ltd
021 996 963