Politicians seek ideas for Ponsonby's $250m hole

The Soho Square building site has not been touched since last May. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Ponsonby's unsightly $250 million hole is worrying city politicians, who are putting feelers out for new owners.

The December 1 receivership of the project's company prompted a warning for locals to stay well away.

Aaron Bhatnagar, chair of Auckland City Council's development committee, said the 1.3ha Soho Square site was a monstrosity and a huge worry.

"The massive hole in the ground is an eyesore and if not secured properly represents a variety of issues including safety, public health, and public amenity. Locals should not wander on to the site for safety reasons.

"I have instructed our compliance officers to check the site to see that it is safe and secure," Mr Bhatnagar said.

He has also talked to Deputy Mayor David Hay about the company receivership and said they were asking senior council officials to present the political leaders group with various options for the site's future.

"We want to explore ways in which the project might be taken over by someone else. We have a property enterprise board which may be able to offer some advice," he said.

He is expecting a report tomorrow.

The site is bounded by Williamson Ave, Pollen St and Crummer Rd.

Layne Kells' Marlin Group was to develop a shopping/parking/office/apartment complex designed by architecture firm Ignite, but locals decried the vision as a nightmare.

But Mr Kells' Ponsonby Mall Trust is now in the hands of Richard Simpson of receiver Grant Thornton. The first report is due in February.

The first stage of excavation and piling was completed last May and the site has not been used since, except by locals who renamed it Sohole and partied in the giant pool of water.