[C]arlisle City Council say work to make the Central Plaza building safe on Victoria Viaduct is expected to take weeks rather than days.
A Carlisle City Council spokesperson said: “We are continuing to work in partnership with Cumbria County Council’s highways team and specialist contractors to ensure the safety of the former Central Plaza building.
“We would normally pursue the owner to deal with any danger but this is not possible in this instance, as it has no owner (it is currently in escheat but rests with the Crown Estate). Under the Building Act 1984 s78 Dangerous Buildings – Emergency Measures, we have a duty to ensure that the property does not cause an immediate danger to persons in and around the building.
“Our priority is to ensure the building is safe and all possible steps are being taken to find the quickest way to do this.
“We are in ongoing discussions with our contractor regarding the safest approach. The site is challenging and a range of considerations need to be taken into account including the loading requirements of the machinery needed during the necessary works. It is a very confined space within a highly complex site.
“It is likely that cranes will be required to remove approximately seven tonnes of loose masonry on the front elevation at excess of 18 metres in height. This is a highly specialist method of working and although no definitive timeframe is in place, the closure of the footpath and carriageway on Victoria Viaduct and Bush Brow is likely to last for weeks rather than days.
“As some pedestrians have gained unauthorised access to the site, security has been increased and they are liaising with the Police to ensure the safety of the site.
“We have spoken directly to all businesses affected and will keep them updated on any developments.”
