Media release

Cameron Brewer – Auckland Councillor for Orakei

Tuesday, 14 December 2010

Last ditch appeal on St Heliers art deco houses fails

“As promised at Sunday’s large public meeting I organised an urgent meeting with the Turua Street developer and his team to put the community’s concerns and suggestions directly to them. The 90-minute meeting took place this morning in the central city and included three representatives of the Save Turua Street group. Despite the group’s passionate appeal, the developer’s team advised us that the demolition of two of the three art deco houses is imminent,” says Orakei Councillor Cameron Brewer.

“The personal appeal was the group’s last chance. I am grateful that the developer gave them a hearing. He has gone through a lengthy and comprehensive legal process to get the necessary consents. However what he hasn’t got on his side is public opinion.

“As a new councillor this lengthy issue has been a bit of a hospital pass. What it has shown me is that the new council has to do better with how it communicates to the public. It has also shown the community that it if wants certain buildings protected in the future, heritage protection needs to be obtained now.

“I am pleased as an independent councillor to have been able to reflect the community’s strong view on this. I found the Save Turua Street group a free lawyer, I fronted up to the public meeting, I sought council advice, I have involved the Mayor’s Office and the Council Chair of Heritage, and organised the last ditch meeting with the developer.

“The reality is as it stands the law rests with the developer. In saying that, the new three-storey development is a relatively attractive new building and the developer has done his best to make it sympathetic to St Heliers.

“I do not condone the prospect of people lying in front of bulldozers as it will ultimately not save the buildings. It would be sad all round if the police were forced to become involved. The community has exhausted all possibilities and has done its best. We now need to work with the developer to ensure the best possible outcome for St Heliers,” says Cameron Brewer.

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