Date for courthouse contract

A contractor for the restoration of Dunedin's historic courthouse will probably be chosen by October, Courts Minister Amy Adams has announced.

Ms Adams said 11 contractors, split between Otago and national businesses, had registered their interest for the project in May and tender documentation was now being sent to those shortlisted.

"My hope is that a contractor is appointed by October 2016, so the local community can see progress being made,'' she said.

Ministry of Justice general manager commercial and property Fraser Gibbs said further detail about the shortlist and the split between Otago and national contractors on the list could not be provided because of "commercial reasons''.

More than $15 million for the courthouse restoration was announced in Budget 2016.

Ms Adams said the Government's commitment of funding should reassure Dunedin residents the Government was committed to the project and that it was progressing "at pace''.

Dunedin's court services have operated from a temporary facility on High St since 2011, when engineers discovered parts of the building fell short of the minimum 34% rating required under the historic new building standard.

The restoration project will include seismic strengthening to between 60% and 70% of the new building standard, and modernisation of courtrooms.

The project is expected to be completed by early 2018. The decision to restore the courthouse was made in December last year. margot.taylor@odt.co.nz

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