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