Big plans for NP port area
A group of developers have lodged a proposal that would completely transform New Plymouth’s port area by turning unused concrete cool store buildings into apartments, offices, shops and restaurants.
In a resource consent application to New Plymouth District Council (NPDC), which included detailed illustrations, Seaport Land Company Ltd outlined its vision for Fonterra’s former cool stores near Ngāmotu Beach in Moturoa.
The 2.58ha section of industrial land and buildings, which have not been used to store Fonterra products since 2009, went on the market last year and sold to a group of investors in June. The area has a capital value of $8.25 million.
If the project goes ahead as outlined in the resource consent, Seaport Land Company proposes to subdivide the Hakirau St site into 21 land allotments that will include 91 residential and commercial units.
The company directors are a group of New Plymouth businessmen and many of those with shareholding interests also hail from Taranaki.
The applicant did not want to comment on the proposal at this stage.
The development would take place over two stages and represents what could only be described as a massive revamp of the predominantly industrial area.
As spelt out in the application, its vision is to create a vibrant, multi-use zone which enhances the natural assets, such as the coastal vista and proximity to Ngāmotu beach, and complimented
It is proposed the Fluker-Rendle Store, with its original facade, would become a hotel complex.
existing activities in the area.
‘‘The applicant sees this site as the only significant opportunity that New Plymouth will have to develop a vibrant, multi use Port precinct similar to those in others part of New Zealand.’’
Floor plans reveal the Scott Gibson Store, for instance, would transform into 24 apartments, along with office and storage space and car parking. A gym, pool and sauna is also on the cards.
The Morrison Store is mooted to become a commercial retail or service site and the Engine Room, a potential restaurant and cafe.
It is proposed the Fluker-Rendle Store, with its original facade, would become a hotel complex.
The application, dated June 2018, noted that Seaport Land Company was in talks with Nga¯ ti Te Whiti hapu¯ (although formal hui had yet to be held) along with Port Taranaki. Memorandums of understanding with both groups were currently under negotiation.
The application highlighted concerns Port Taranaki had already flagged regarding ‘‘reverse sensitivity’’ associated with noise and the possibility that potential residents could raise objections to future extension at its site.
‘‘The applicant is currently working on agreements with the Port to legally protect the Port’s interests in this regard,’’ the application stated.
While the economic benefits to the site were acknowledged, the application also noted the potential pay-offs to the wider community of enhancing the vibrancy of the area, including a growing popularity among tourists.
NPDC customer and regulatory solutions manager Katrina Brunton confirmed the resource consent application had been received.
‘‘The application seeks to develop the site to create 91 residential and commercial units.
‘‘As part of processing the application, NPDC has requested further information from the applicant,’’ Brunton said in a statement.