Strict proviso on airspace leases for Sky City overbridges

Auckland City Council’s City Development Committee yesterday approved two airspace leases for the development of overbridges across Federal Street – albeit under the strictest specifications.

As part of Sky City’s planned development of a major new convention centre opposite its existing casino/hotel operations, Sky City applied to Council for consent to the airspace leases for two overpasses linking both their facilities.

“As landowner and regulator, Council has a serious responsibility to protect public interest by reducing the effect of overbridges,” says Councillor Juliet Yates, chairperson of the City Development Committee. “Consent has only been granted on the basis that all criteria imposed are met.”

Most of the imposed conditions hinge on the design of the overbridges. “It was agreed by the Committee that best practice urban design principles will be of utmost importance,” emphasised Councillor Yates. Other criteria cover height, transparency, light construction material, and no commercial advertising.

Council’s policy requires that public benefits need to be clearly established to consent to any such occupation of Council road. The overbridges will make way for the development of a privately funded large conference facility of international standards at no cost to ratepayers – obviously a significant benefit to the public.
NB: The overbridges must also obtain and comply with any conditions of resource consent.

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