New demolition rules protect 140 buildings

The Auckland City Council will today make it harder to demolish old buildings in the central city - but the rules will not stop the Bank of New Zealand tearing down the historic Jean Batten Building for a new corporate headquarters.

The Herald understands the council will provide greater protection for 140 buildings in the Queen St valley and Karangahape Rd using a 1940 cut-off point.

Until now, demolition controls have been limited to scheduled heritage buildings and buildings in conservation areas such as Princes St. The rules will not apply to buildings that already have a demolition consent.

Under the new rules, the council will assess such matters as how a building fits into the character of an area or contributes to a group of similar buildings before issuing a demolition consent.

On the flip side, it will give leeway to owners whose buildings are too costly to restore and allow demolition.

Replacement buildings will be expected to reflect the character of the area and developers will be encouraged to submit plans to the urban design panel.

The rules follow sweeping changes by the new pro-heritage council to stop the demolition or removal of 16,300 character homes and safeguard 12 new buildings with heritage status.

They do nothing to protect the most endangered building in central Auckland, the Jean Batten Building, which the Historic Places Trust, Art Deco Society and Institute of Architects are battling to save from wreckers.

The 1942 Jean Batten Building falls outside the 1940 cut-off point and the BNZ has consent to demolish it for an 11-storey corporate headquarters.

Auckland City Mayor Dick Hubbard and BNZ chief executive Peter Thodey have been discussing ways of incorporating the building into a prime central-city site that fronts Queen St but the signs point to the bank proceeding with demolition.

The Historic Places Trust placed interim registration on the building last month when the BNZ's demolition consent was confirmed by the Environment Court, saying "this historic building is now at some risk".

The Art Deco Society is also appealing the consent.

The council's heritage week, from September 12 to 18, includes guided walks, movies and exhibitions.

Demolition criteria

Would demolition detract from the character of an area?

Would demolition lessen the value of a group of buildings of similar characteristics?

The extent to which a building may be beyond restoration and keeping it would put an unfair burden on the owner.

The extent to which the design of a replacement building reflects the character of the area.