US embassy upgrade

Austerity and cost-cutting all round....What?

$60m to blast-proof US embassy complex

The walls, designed to protect against missiles and bomb blasts, will further beef up security at what is already one of the most heavily protected diplomatic posts in New Zealand

Stuff,

3 March, 2013

Just eight years ago, heavy concrete and steel fences were built around the Thorndon compound and pop-up steel barriers were installed at its vehicle entrances.

The blast walls are apparently not a response to an increased threat of terrorism.

Embassy spokesman David Edginton said the upgrade work followed a seismic-risk assessment.

Whenever work was being done at an embassy, the State Department required it be brought up to worldwide standards for safety and security.

A contract for the project, estimated to cost US$36m to US$50m (NZ$43 to NZ$60m), was expected to be awarded this year.

"This comprehensive project includes retrofitting the exterior of the chancery building facade to meet US Department of State's standards for seismic and blast protection, and general building systems upgrades."

The State Department's bureau of overseas building operations is looking for suitable contractors.

"Planning for this upgrade started after the Christchurch earthquake, and was based in part on information shared by the Wellington City Council about seismic threats to the city."

Mr Edginton was not able to say what the seismic status of the embassy was. However, the compound, beside the Murphy St motorway offramp, is close to the Wellington fault line.