17 January 2006
Signs seized so historic building sees the light of day
Auckland City has seized a number of large signs from a commercial property in Dominion Road, which has failed to comply
with the council's signs bylaw.
The enforcement action comes after months of requests for the Mt Eden business, Stereo World Retravision, to abide by
the city's signs bylaw.
Stereo World had advertising hoardings for stereos and sound equipment over most of its 99-year-old Edwardian Italianate
building at 225 Dominion Road.
The chairperson of the Planning and Regulatory Committee, Councillor Glenda Fryer, says the action fits in with the
council's aim to improve the urban landscape by removing illegal signage.
"This is a beautiful older building with an important place in Auckland's history. We do not want significant historic
sites, such as this, lost beneath a mass of modern advertising.
"Now that the signs have been removed, some of the unique detailing and original character of this building can shine
through for all of the city's residents to enjoy.
"This was an action of last resort, but one the council makes no apologies for.
"Stereo World or its agents did not respond to requests made in November to provide information for dispensation from
the bylaw. The council was left with no other option, but to seize the offending signs."
One of the objectives of Part 27, of the council's consolidated bylaw relating to signs is that signs should not
significantly alter the presence of buildings.
Stereo World Retravision contravened the bylaw in a number of different ways, by having: * signs covering an area
greater than 50 per cent of the largest wall * signs covering windows * signs that were more than five metres
high.
The Stereo World building is currently being assessed as part of a review of heritage buildings and sites on the isthmus
for possible scheduling in the District Plan.
It was constructed in 1907 in the Edwardian Italianate style and was purpose-built as a butcher shop. It was the first
suburban outlet for the Auckland Meat Company.
The council still holds the Stereo World advertising hoardings, but the owner can apply to have them returned for a fee.
In order to have the signs returned, the owner will also need to provide an assurance that the signs would not be fixed
to the building again.
ENDS