14 December 2010: “As promised at Sunday’s large public meeting I organised an urgent meeting with the Turua Street developer and his team to put the community’s concerns and suggestions directly to them. The 90-minute meeting took place this morning in the central city and included three representatives of the Save Turua Street group. Despite the group’s passionate appeal, the developer’s team advised us that the demolition of two of the three art deco houses is imminent,” says Orakei Councillor Cameron Brewer.
“The personal appeal was the group’s last chance. I am grateful that the developer gave them a hearing. He has gone through a lengthy and comprehensive legal process to get the necessary consents. However what he hasn’t got on his side is public opinion.
“As a new councillor this lengthy issue has been a bit of a hospital pass. What it has shown me is that the new council has to better with how it communicates to the public. It has also shown the community that it if wants certain buildings protected in the future, heritage protection needs to be obtained now.
“I am pleased as an independent councillor to have been able to reflect the community’s strong view on this. I found the Save Turua Street group a free lawyer, I fronted up to the public meeting, I sought council advice, I have involved the Mayor’s Office and the Council Chair of Heritage, and organised the last ditch meeting with the developer.
“The reality is as it stands the law rests with the developer. In saying that, the new three-storey development is a relatively attractive new building and the developer has done his best to make it sympathetic to St Heliers.
“I do not condone the prospect of people lying in front of bulldozers as it will ultimately not save the buildings. It would be sad all round if the police were forced to become involved. The community has exhausted all possibilities and has done its best. We now need to work with the developer to ensure the best possible outcome for St Heliers,” says Cameron Brewer.
Jill hadfield,
Are you serious? Do you seriously think that Marsh Cooks development at Turua St is like mount eden Prison? How did the 3 little residential cottages serve the retail/ business mix of St. Heliers?the sites had a value of 1.5 million each, you could have bought one to save it. The total built area of 240 sq.m over an 1800 sq.m site had a site utilisation of .127, the proposal is closer to 2, 16 x the amount. it’s what a neighbourhood centre needs, retail and people living in it.
Devastating to see such an outcome. St Heliers has a unique character, that is being undermined. The fact that initial objections were not given a hearing is of great concern.
Thanks to all those who have fought so hard to preserve these buildings.
Devastating to see such an outcome. St Heliers has a unique character, that is being undermined. The fact that initial objections were not given a hearing is of great concern.
Thanks to all those who have fought so hard to preserve these buildings.
“A relatively attractive new building’? Relative to what? The Lubllianka? Mount Eden Prison? The new development is NOT an attractive new building. It is totally out of scale and inappropriate to a village . Look at the public protest around the building on Maheke. This one is going to be even bigger.
Cameron you have given us all a lot of support and we are very grateful for all you have done -far more than our previous councillors – but this building is not going to enhance St Heliers!
“A relatively attractive new building’? Relative to what? The Lubllianka? Mount Eden Prison? The new development is NOT an attractive new building. It is totally out of scale and inappropriate to a village . Look at the public protest around the building on Maheke. This one is going to be even bigger.
Cameron you have given us all a lot of support and we are very grateful for all you have done -far more than our previous councillors – but this building is not going to enhance St Heliers!