September 13 2007

Shocking Plans For The Watefront: Construction Sites Everywhere

“Over the next few years, Wellington’s wonderful waterfront will become a series of construction sites from one end to the other, Wellington mayoral candidate Helene Ritchie revealed last night at an election meeting of Aro Valley residents.

The plans are shocking,” she told them.

“ There are twelve major construction sites planned.
That means that for a good part of the rest of our lives, I and many Wellingtonians, will never be able to enjoy the leisure and pleasure of the waterfront without industrial disruption and ugliness..and then there will be the buildings on open space.
Danger Keep Out, Construction signs will dot the waterfront-

North Queens Wharf today

I am calling for an immediate three year moratorium on all new building on the waterfront, except where legal agreement exists.

I am also calling for waterfront management to be abolished, and the future of the waterfront to come under direct democratic Council leadership

“Council needs to review the wisdom of proceeding apace and in the process ruining the waterfront as it has become: a place of open space and recreation,” she said.

I am opposed too to the Hilton Hotel on Queens Wharf outer “T”

“ I am an appellant against the Hilton Hotel. The adjourned Hearing has yet to reconvene on the 18 October so I cannot say much. What I can say is that I am joined by thousands behind me who oppose the Hilton on the Outer T.

There should instead be a competition as promised for that special site on the Outer T of Queens Wharf in the heart of the waterfront of the Capital. The view of the harbour and the hills there is the iconic view that is Wellington, ”

Helene Ritchie, Wellington’s longest serving councillor and first woman deputy mayor is calling for the people of Wellington to save their waterfront with their vote.
“Nothing else will. It is the last chance,” she said.

For a stroll around the waterfront construction sites visit www.heleneritchie.org.nz

ends

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