Minister of Building and Construction Maurice Williamson will open and attend a forum for Christchurch’s building and property professionals on 29 February. The event – Steel: the proven performer for a new Christchurch – aims to make the case for structural steel to play a leading role in the rebuilding of the city.

Hosted by industry body Steel Construction New Zealand, invited guests including local architects, engineers, builders, developers and property owners will debate the technical, commercial and design merits of structural steel.

Steel Construction New Zealand manager Alistair Fussell says seismic performance will be a key factor in deciding how Christchurch’s new buildings and infrastructure are designed and built.

“The earthquake performance of the HSBC Tower on Worcester Boulevard and the Pacific Tower on Gloucester Street are great examples of steel’s seismic properties. Going forward, not just in Christchurch but around the country, there will be a big focus on seismic performance and what this means in dollar terms for tenants and owners of new buildings.”

Forum speakers include Associate Professor Charles Clifton of the University of Auckland, Mr Fussell, and Richard McGowan of architects Warren and Mahoney.

“Steel is a leading structural solution around New Zealand and overseas, but it’s not so common in Christchurch,” says Mr Fussell. “With the draft Central City Plan currently with the Government for approval, now’s a good time to be talking to the city’s property professionals about how New Zealand manufactured and fabricated steel can contribute to an attractive and future-proofed CBD.”

The forum takes place on Wednesday, 29 February from 4.30pm at The George on Park Terrace.