The work comes mere weeks after the Salvation Army demolished the building next door.
Salvation Army corps officer Captain David McEwen said scaffolding now visible around the Family Store building would soon be covered in a ‘‘tent’’ to keep the work site open regardless of the weather.
Because of the added covering, it was planned for the Family Store to remain generally open during the work, Mr McEwen said.
The work affecting the Family Store site would only take about four weeks, but a series of projects would rotate around the site, wrapping up next year, he said.
While the earthquake strengthening was being done, some refurbishment would also take place.
The neighbouring building at the corner of Crawford and Jervois Sts, owned by the Salvation Army, was demolished at the end of last month.
The site has been turned into a car park.
