Makeover riles Auckland's fashion quarter

Vulcan Lane businessmen Neville Findlay, Andrew Bishop and Chris Cherry are upset at revamp plans for the area. Picture / Glenn Jeffrey

Some of the country's biggest fashion names are battling to save Vulcan Lane from a $1.2 million makeover, saying it will ruin the character and spirit of Auckland's stylish pedestrian strip.

"People love to come here the way it is. It is the most successful gem in the city," says Zambesi owner Neville Findlay, who has been selling classic and tailored garments in Vulcan Lane for 18 years.

Mr Findlay, Chris Cherry, of Workshop, Andrew Bishop, who owns Feline, and other business and building owners are aghast at Auckland City Council plans to tear up the red pavers and strips of river pebbles for bluestone paving, new seating and high-tech tui feeders.

They are happy about a drainage upgrade but object to Vulcan Lane becoming a victim to the "bland, homogenous" bluestone look that the council is rolling out in the central business district.

"It's just a lovely, old-fashioned shopping lane," said Mr Cherry, who moved into Vulcan Lane more than 20 years ago.

"It's a little bit rough, but it has its own character and its own spirit and I really believe that is worth protecting."

Mr Findlay said he liked the lane how it was. "I like what's here and if it has got a few patches, well and good."

Mr Bishop said bluestone had been laid in nearby Durham Lane and it was so gloomy in winter "it's like walking into the black hole of Calcutta".

The fashion leaders said council had ignored their pleas when considering upgrading Vulcan Lane for the first time since it was converted into a pedestrian mall in 1968.

The centre piece of the "stylish and high-quality upgrade" is a circle of five "fully automated" and "self-flushing" nectar feeders to attract tui from Albert Park.

"We don't need redesigned seats and tui feeders. That is just a joke," said Mr Findlay.

Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard yesterday held out no hope for preserving the status quo, saying he had been told by officers that only three people "had communicated their unhappiness to us" and the majority favoured the changes.

The Weekend Herald spoke to six people opposed to the proposals and understands there are many more.

CBD project leader Jo Wiggins said consultation in February found nine people supported the plans, four opposed and five or six with concerns.

"There has been mixed views on the project," said Jo Wiggins.

Work is due to start on the project, which will be integrated with the $30 million facelift of Queen St, next month or in September.

* Does Vulcan Lane need a makeover? Email newsdesk (link below) with your opinions.