Businesses doubtful about proposed downtown Auckland tower

May 13, 2016

Businesses doubtful about proposed downtown Auckland tower

The space, currently occupied by a single-level car park, could become a 200m tall apartment building. Photo: Sam Parsons

Downtown Auckland businesses are concerned about the potential impact of a proposed apartment tower.

Documents released on fyi.org.nz show an accepted resource consent application for the building plans.

According to the resource consent papers, the 85 Customs Street Apartment Tower will be a “50-level mixed use development incorporating ground floor commercial units (retail food and beverage, lobby and through site lanes), a variety of residential unit types on the upper floors and associated parking”.

However, a building consent has not yet been obtained from the Auckland Council which means building cannot begin until one is granted.

The Chinese-based project group, Shundi Group Investment, a sub-group of Shanghai Shenshun Investment Co, is behind the development.

In anticipation of the tower’s requirements, the group has also bought the 12-level Ballantyne House, which they plan to turn into an office and retail space, and the neighbouring Wilson Car Park and White Rabbit bistro.

Edward Nadarajah, manager of the Lucky Buddha restaurant which is on Fort Street directly behind the proposed tower site, welcomed the development.

“New buildings like the Sofitel [currently being built at 67 Customs Street] and the proposed tower bring extra numbers into the city, and a larger body of people coming in to the area is great.”

A car park on valuable land

Part of the site where the proposed 50-level building may go. Photo: Sam Parsons

However, Mr Nadarajah anticipates some disruption.

“The process of the build itself will be a pain, you can see the effect large-scale processes going on in the downtown area have affected the CBD, and more specifically the Sofitel just around the corner.

“For the last two weeks we’ve seen a change, people are now simply rushing home after work to get out of the area, so that’s the only real problem I foresee with it.”

Sky Zhang, owner of the Hollywood Bakery on Fort Street, was also doubtful of the outcomes for his business.

“I think it’ll bring more foot traffic to the area, however, not for me personally due to the hours of my store. Because so many of the stores here are open during business hours only, we won’t see as much of a benefit as some may think,” said Mr Zhang.

Jignesh Patel, owner of the City Convenience store on Customs Street, said the project will be beneficial once complete, but not until then.

“I think the process will be a real headache, I feel construction doesn’t bring a lot of positives to an area until the job is complete,” said Mr Patel.

“We see the mess workers and their operations create and it won’t be helpful for businesses.”

A spokesperson for Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) said the organisation was unable to directly comment on the project.

However, in an email comment, ATEED head of tourism Jason Hill said increased investment in a range of new developments across the city is expected to create more employment opportunities and improved amenities for Aucklanders.

“A number of new accommodation developments and refurbishments are now underway, including Waterfront Park Hyatt, Sofitel So, and a significant upgrade to the Copthorne,” he said.

Mr Hill added, “Auckland is a city on the move – the rapid change and innovations that is taking place over the next five years will further enhance Auckland’s appeal to visitors, investors and residents.”

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