Cinema in the frame for Arch Hill site

The scheme is planned for a site three blocks away from the controversial new Bunnings DIY store. The Arch Hill Residents Society is going to court next year to challenge that consent. Photo / Brett Phibbs

A new Arch Hill boutique cinema with four theatres is to be built on a site where 80 apartments and new shops are also planned.

Charles Cooper, Colliers International's Auckland managing director, said a small cinema was part of The Square where registrations of interest were being sought for apartment buyers.

"An operator has been secured for a four-screen complex," he said.

The scheme is planned for a site three blocks away from the controversial new Bunnings DIY store, although the Arch Hill Residents Society is going to court next year to challenge that consent.

Colliers said the cinema site would have many other buildings.

"Around 80 premium apartments are to be constructed, along with shops, cafes, a bar and a boutique cinema, on a 1ha mixed-use zoned site at 406-428 Great North Rd, between Bond St and the Surrey Hotel," the agency said.

Tony Gapes' Redwood Group is the developer.

David Batten, Arch Hill Residents Society member, welcomed the complex development.

"Unlike Bunnings which is a non-complying activity, the buildings on this site do fit the zoning which is mixed use," he said, and the cinema would be a welcome addition to the neighbourhood.

Peter Garner, Paramount Pictures NZ managing director, questioned the feasibility of a new Arch Hill cinema.

He said Monterey in Howick was the most recent new Auckland cinema.