Merivale Mall back open for business

1:32 pm on 31 March 2012

A mall in one of Christchurch's most exclusive suburbs is in full operation on Saturday, seven weeks after half of it was forced to close because its inner core was an earthquake risk.

Customers and business owners were told to leave the Merivale Mall shortly after shops had opened on 11 February, forcing some businesses to relocate.

Engineers said strengthening work was needed to bring the mall up to earthquake standards.

Eighteen shops, two kiosks and a supermarket have remained closed since February, while about 25 businesses located away from the centre of the mall were allowed to continue operating.

Merivale Fresh Choice supermarket owner Craig Grant says it has been difficult for him and his 150 employees to cope with the uncertainty of not knowing when they could reopen.

He says he was able to keep all his staff employed during the closure.

Tower Investments manages the property and chief executive Sam Stubbs says the mall has passed every safety test required.