Dunedin waterfront plans stunning, but how realistic are they?

IF you have not visited Toitu in Dunedin to see the Van Brandenburg Architecture model of the suggested waterfront development, I recommend doing so. It’s beautiful.

However, it’s unlikely ever to be built, as it is almost certain to cost twice the amount of conventional construction.

Add to that the geotechnical cost of creating a foundation on the reclaimed harbour front land.

Nobody other than Van Brandenburg’s Chinese Marisfrolg client, who appears to have commissioned a project with no budget, could ever afford it.

Therefore the idea of building a similarly themed harbour access bridge, which it is agreed will cost more than twice that of an equally pleasing alternative structure, is both misguided and reckless.

The dishonest characterisation of such an alternative in the LTP consultation booklet as a ‘‘basic bridge’’ is disappointing.

It speaks of both financially illiterate enthusiasm and a willingness by some councillors to promote their pet projects at any price.

Remember that 80% of ratepayers are not wealthy businessmen.

They are in fact families with two children and two jobs, where increases in rates or school bus fares determine whether or not their children have music, tutoring or sports lessons.

Rather than $25 million on a bridge that will probably never have contextual merit, let’s have a beautiful bridge and a new Mosgiel pool for the same money.

And maybe some change.

Ian Pillans

Dunedin

Respect for the fallen

TO C. Trotter, If you have a problem with people of all ages celebrating Anzac Day, well deal with it! While you are at it, pick up the dummy you spat out and put it back in.

These people who come out year after year to honour and show respect to the ones who have died did not ask for the wars to happen.

By acknowledging ‘‘the fallen’’, we lay down hope that these events will never happen again.

Chris AquilinaRoberts

Alexandra