New Emergency Operation Centre Building

Currently, Council’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is based at the Manchester Street office. The building must be able to function to support Council’s response to an emergency within a reasonable timeframe during or after a disaster such as an earthquake. The current building does not meet current national guidance. It is considered cost prohibitive to bring it up to the required post-disaster standard. Council considered a range of options for a more disaster-resilient EOC, including an upgrade to Council Chambers and a range of alternative locations which included several Council-owned buildings and other facilities. The most cost-effective solution is to purchase a purpose-built building that will be usable during or immediately post disaster. This building can be used for other Council activities when not required for an emergency response.