A comprehensive set of Ministry of Works structural engineering completed in the 1980's helped the buildings come through the Canterbury Earthquake Sequence with only minor structural damage.
The Main Block is now due for major refurbishment including deferred maintenance, earthquake repairs, seismic strengthening, upgrading of building services, and also new extensions.
Considered and robust seismic upgrades are being detailed which are sensitive to the buildings heritage fabric and focused on the higher risk areas such as brickwork veneer and gables.