What is City Fringe?
Simulation of the bulk and form of the proposed Soho development.
| The simulation depicts the rough shape and size of the different buildings proposed in the Phase 5a plans we received. There will be some discrepancies in the architectural detail as we have not provided any elements such as windows, balconies, or overhangs. |
As it sits currently... August 2010
We are a group of residents who are concerned about development in our historic Ponsonby/Grey Lynn/ Freeman’s Bay/Herne Bay/ St Mary’s Bay area - the City Fringe area.
We are not against development. We welcome and want development that enhances our area.
The Chairperson is Tricia Reade; 802/9 Hopetoun Street, Freeman’s Bay, Auckland 1011. Tel: 373 2966
Our primary objectives are:
- To encourage respect and regard for the history and heritage of the area
- To challenge the inappropriate development of any buildings that do not comply with the district plan
- To provide a point of contact for developers, to convey the community’s feelings on potential developments.
- To encourage cultural activities which enhance the experiences of the community.
- To represent and promote the interests of members of the Society.
What are we doing at present?
- Our present major project is to challenge the proposed Soho Square development and the receiver’s appeal to the Environment Court. Our issues with the proposal are its size (mass), height, design and the significant traffic issues.
- We are also monitoring proposed development changes in the area (e.g. proposed changes from residential 1 to residential 2 for some buildings).
What is happening at the Soho site?
Now what is happening?
- The receiver, Mr Tim Downes of Grant Thornton, has maintained Marlin’s appeal to the Environment Court against the last consent refusal. The appellant is now to be identified as Ponsonby Mall Trust Ltd (In receivership).
- There is still consent for the designs, approved by the Auckland City Council of site coverage of 32,399 m2 with building heights higher than 12.5 metres.
- Ponsonby Mall Trust Ltd (In receivership) finally produced the new plans on 25 June 2010, which have gone out to all groups that registered with the Environment Court in 2009 as being a party (section 274) to the Environment Court proceedings.
- City Fringe Inc has seen the latest plans and along with other s274 parties is opposing them. The site development has only been reduced from 47,738 m2 to 45,650 m2 – a reduction of just over 2,000 m2. We see no reason for the development to extend beyond the original consent. Opinion is also against that design as well but they do have resource consent for that unfortunately.
- Other two key parties opposing the new plans are Auckland City Council and ASB Community Trusts.
- Timetable before the Court is:
| 9 July 2010: |
Any Jurisdictional issues must be filed and statements issued |
| 20 August: |
Respondent (ACC) and those in favour of the proposal must serve their evidence |
| 17 September: |
All other parties (e.g. City Fringe and ASB Community Trusts) must file their evidence |
| 1 October: |
Rebuttal from the appellant to be filed |
| 22 October: |
All evidence before the Environment Court |
City Fringe has gained much support in the last few months and is seeking legal advice on proceeding to the Environment Court. In the meantime we intend to keep our Inner City Suburbs notified of developments day to day and week by week.
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