Many residents are opposed to the development on the corner of Tamaki Drive and Maheke St in St Heliers Bay. Photo / Dean Purcell
Many residents are opposed to the development on the corner of Tamaki Drive and Maheke St in St Heliers Bay. Photo / Dean Purcell
A "concrete monstrosity" that has upset the seaside community of St Heliers remains largely empty four months after it was opened by developer Robin Sheffield.
The three-storey complex right on the beachfront at Tamaki Drive has several "For Lease" signs on the outside and just one tenant, Westpac Bank, atstreet level.
The contemporary structure is coming to symbolise community anger against the loss of traditional shopping villages and a fightback against developers altering the landscape for commercial gain.
"We hope the building remains empty forever," said Dr Gabriel Reid, of Save Our St Heliers, a group set up the preserve the low-rise character of the seaside village.
Save our St Heliers have bitterly opposed the beachfront complex and a three-stage development which includes both sides of Turua St and the New Zealand Post building in the heart of the shopping centre. Developer Mike Markham caused a public uproar last year when he demolished three Spanish mission-style homes in Turua St for the development.
"If people like Mr Sheffield and Mr Markham are determined to rescale St Heliers then they should expect many members of the community will feel very hostile to their businesses.
"It would be a brave tenant who would move into such an environment," Dr Reid said.
It is understood that the owners of a successful string of cafes have pulled out of setting up in the building on the corner of Tamaki Drive and Maheke St. The cafe owners did not want to comment yesterday.
