Concepts have appeal for Orakei Point Visitors

30 June, 2008

Concepts have appeal for Orakei Point Visitors

Two highly successful open days have left Orakei Point developer Tony Gapes in little doubt there is underlying support for the concepts behind plans for intensive development on the Orakei Point peninsula.

"We've had well over 400 people view the master plan concepts over the past two Sundays and its apparent that many of those visitors accept there is a need for change in the type of development Aucklanders accept on road and rail transport corridors,' says the Redwood Group Managing Director.

Redwood Group and Auckland City Council have developed master plan options for the entire eight hectare side on Orakei Rd that include up to 1,000 apartments and 20,000 square metres of office and retail space. The options have been on display to the public at Redwood's display unit on the 246 Orakei Rd site.

"What we are finding is that the scale and size of the development is less of an issue than individual components of the plans that people want carefully managed.

"That's particularly the case with the road network around the area, parking in the development and the future of the park and ride that's currently hosted at the site.

"Some concerns remain around the 12 -14 story proposal for the two landmark apartment buildings in option three for the master plan. But most people seem willing to accept that sort of scale once they understand the height is balanced against the provision of more green and public space and a raft of amenities that Redwood Group will provide as part of its commitment to the development.

"The feedback from both open days has been very encouraging."

Mr Gapes said more than 350 people had attended the first open day with 70 plus attending on Sunday (June 29).

He said the anecdotal feedback from the first day had been around 65 - 70% favourable and if anything that number had been higher on the second day. Redwood Group and Council staff had been available to the public for discussion at both days.

"Written feedback we've had so far is at similar levels of positive comment while feedback to the website has been mainly positive so far."

Mr Gapes said Redwood Group was still gathering information from more than 200 feedback forms that had been taken away from the open days and was still meeting with interest groups.

"We're happy to talk to anyone about what we're planning for the peninsula. As we talk to people and cover off their concerns it is clear there is a willingness to see something quite special for Auckland developed on this available yet currently inaccessible waterfront gem."

ENDS

© Scoop Media