Historic trust joins fight to save old pub

The Masonic Tavern was built in 1866. Photo / Herald on Sunday

New Zealand's leading heritage organisation says a plan to turn the Masonic Tavern into apartments will mean the effective loss of the old pub building.

The Historic Places Trust has joined Devonport residents groups in their appeal to the Environment Court against the North Shore City Council's granting resource consent.

In December, Redback Development told the court re-use of the waterfront site for 10 apartments and a cafe was the best offer going to keep the appearance of the tavern.

The hearing resumed yesterday after the holiday break, and objectors now have their turn.

Trust lawyer Paul Cavanagh, QC, said although the trust recognised that the owner could not be forced to continue with the tavern, the proposal was against district plan requirements.

It did not balance achieving development potential with the need to keep as much of the original heritage building as possible.

Part of the building was erected in 1866, and it was one of the earliest timber hotels left in the Auckland region.

It should be conserved through keeping authentic heritage parts presently due for demolition, as well as restoring the front facades as intended in the Jasmax design.

The trust urged the court to make an interim decision requiring a redesign that would keep the Masonic's original form and footprint and facades.

"While there have been modifications, to the interior of the building and alterations to its front facades, effectively the Masonic Hotel building as it stands today is the same that stood on the site in the late 19th century," said Mr Cavanagh.

The redesign should respectfully treat the 1860s part, known as the old boarding house, which was planned to be shifted and lifted. This would sacrifice one apartment.

Mr Cavanagh said that generally, only the street facades of the hotel were scheduled for protection in the city's district plan.

But scheduling occurred before the 2003 change to the Resource Management Act, which tightened rules on protecting heritage.

Front facades must be given meaning through being attached to a real heritage building - the retained Masonic Hotel.