North Shore Times (New Zealand)
Hearings over car park conundrum
Debate over the sale of a public car park in Takapuna continues to rage as a hearing panel considers submissions on the proposal this week.
More than 2000 submissions have been made over the future of the 40 Anzac St site, which council development arm Panuku Development Auckland has identified for sale and potential mixed use development.
A total of 2,061 submissions were received, with a slight majority opposing the change of use of the land from a single-level asphalt car park to an area of mixed development.
Of those, 1183 submissions, or 57 per cent, opposed the change, while 838 submissions, or 41 per cent, supported it.
Around 30 submitters are speaking to their submissions in front of the panel of four councilappointed members, tasked with making recommendations to the council’s planning committee.
The 250-space car park was approved for disposal by the Auckland Development Committee in March last year as part of the ‘Unlock Takapuna’ project.
But plans - which include erecting three nine-storey buildings on the land - have been strongly opposed by local residents who presented council with a 8500-signature strong petition against the sale in March.
The main bone of contention for petitioners was the loss of the Takapuna Markets held at the site every Sunday, should it be sold.
More than two thirds of those speaking to their proposal at the hearings are in opposition to the sale. One such resident, Garry Venus, said the proposal was too vague.
‘‘This space is already an area of mixed use and is more than a single-level asphalt car park,’’ he wrote in his submission.
‘‘The Sunday Market is arguably one of Takapuna’s heritage attractions - and the car park provides a meaningful heart to the Takapuna shopping and restaurant experience.’’
Fellow resident Fay Freeman disagreed. She wrote in her submission the vision for the land was ‘‘clear’’.
‘‘I want to live in a vibrant, progressive city and redevelopment of the Anzac car park site is a critical element of development to link Shore City through to the beach.’’
The panel will deliberate on the draft proposal at a session which is open to the public on Monday, October 16, after which it will make recommendations.