AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

23 May 2006

Project update: Council considers extension to notify Wynyard Point plan change

Auckland City Council will consider extending the date of its notification of the plan change for Wynyard Point at a meeting later this month to ensure it has adequate time to properly consider all input and deliver the best possible outcome.

Auckland City has been working towards issuing the district plan change on 31 May.

The option to extend the date of notification to no later than 31 July has been agreed with Viaduct Harbour Holdings and Ports of Auckland, the two major land owners in the area.

“We are progressing well with the development of the district plan change,” says John Duthie, general manager, City Development. “This 35 hectare piece of land is a key area for the city and its important we take great care as to get the ground rules right.

“We are aiming for the end of May but as all the parties involved have agreed to an extension, this is something we are considering.”

Auckland City is working with the Auckland Regional Council (ARC) and Ports of Auckland and other stakeholders on the district plan change which will follow the principles of the vision for the wider waterfront published by the three organisations in December last year.

“We are working on the options for the site which will be informed by the vision, the public feedback on the concept plan, input from other stakeholders such as members of the marine and fishing industries and the advice from a panel of urban design experts,” said Mr Duthie.

“The work we are doing with the ARC and Ports of Auckland includes discussions about the governance, costs and funding of the different elements that are required to regenerate a piece of land like this. We want to make sure that we achieve coordinated development.

“We recognise that it is very important we have a robust governance model for the whole Wynyard Point area and we are working through what form that may take.”

The lodgement and notification of the district plan change will mark the beginning of another round of public consultation where the public will have an opportunity to give their feedback about the future of Wynyard Point.

Auckland City’s Urban Strategy and Governance Committee will formally consider the option to extend the lodgement deadline at its meeting on 29 May.

ENDS

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