Heritage protection for Eastern Bays’ suburbs

Heritage in the Eastern Bays’ suburbs has been given a boost with the proposed scheduling of four additional buildings in the isthmus district plan.

Auckland City has today announced proposed plan change 183, which will ensure the long-term protection of these buildings under the district plan. Members of the public are invited to make submissions on this proposal before Monday 22 August.

“This plan change is one of the first direct responses to Auckland City’s isthmus heritage review which drew over 900 submissions for proposed building protection across the city,” says chairperson of the Environment, Heritage and Urban Form Committee, Councillor Christine Caughey. “Aucklanders have demanded better overall protection for our heritage features, and Auckland City has responded.

“While it takes time to evaluate the heritage qualities of significant buildings, I am pleased with the progress we have made in protecting more of the city’s historic assets,” says Ms Caughey.

The proposed buildings have been given priority based on the quality and depth of supporting evidence provided with their initial nomination.

“If these proposals are accepted into the district plan, they will add to the range and variety of character buildings protected by Auckland City in these inner city suburbs,” says Ms Caughey.

The list of buildings proposed for scheduling as Category B items includes: 586-592 Remuera Road, Remuera –McLaren Service Station Remuera Upland Motors 2005) 2 Stanley Street, Parnell (cnr Parnell Rise)– Swan Hotel (Strand Tavern 2005) 2-8 Osborne Street, Newmarket – Kent’s Bakery (Arcade 2005) 481-487 Khyber Pass Road, Newmarket – Kent’s Building (2005).

Category B protection asserts that buildings should not be wilfully removed, damaged or altered in a significant way unless here is a compelling reason.

Members of the public have until Monday 22 August 2005, to make submissions on the proposed plan change. Copies of the proposed plan change and background information are available on Auckland City’s website www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/isthmusplan, or at level 11, Civic Administration Building, 1 Greys Ave, central city or at Auckland city libraries.

Ends

Notes to editors: 586-592 Remuera Road, Remuera – McLaren Service Station (Remuera Upland Motors 2005).

Built in 1926 as an automotive garage and service station it was designed by the well known Auckland architect E Rupert Morton. The building is a fine example of mid-1920’s Californian Spanish Mission style architecture. The premises are a landmark in the areas in their own right, however, the landmark potential is greatly increased by its association with famous NZ racing family – the McLaren’s and in particular with the internationally renowned (the late) Bruce McLaren, the originator of the Formula One “McLaren Racing Team”.

2 Stanley Street, Parnell (Cnr Parnell Rise) – Swan Hotel (Strand Tavern 2005)

The Swan Hotel was built between 1855-58 and is now one of the earliest public houses surviving in Auckland. The building is of Georgian style and timber construction located on a prominent corner site.

2-8 Osborne Street, Newmarket – Kent’s Bakery (Arcade 2005)

The Kent’s Bakery is a two-storied brick building with a corrugated iron roof supported by timber beams that became “George Kent and Sons Bakery”. It is in the Victorian Industrial style and was constructed in 1906. The building is typical of many similar brick warehouses and factory buildings that once graced many small side streets of Newmarket, reflecting the early industrial heritage of the area. Kent’s Bakery was one of the longest continuous running and successful businesses in Newmarket’s history.

481-487 Khyber Pass Road, Newmarket – Kent’s Building (2005)

The Kent’s Building is located on the corner of Khyber Pass Road and Osborne Street, Newmarket and is a substantial two storied commercial brick and concrete premises with a corrugated iron roof built in 1922-23. It clearly defines the corner of Osborne Street and Khyber Pass Road and is highly valued for its streetscape appeal. The architects of the building were from the well known practice, Arnold and Abbot and are highly significant in Auckland’s architectural history. The Kent’s building was constructed as the administration and commercial offices of George Kent and Sons Bakery.

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