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Independent commissioners have broadly backed the Auckland City Council's approach to the Tank Farm redevelopment, saying building heights and transport plans are "fundamentally sound".
Three commissioners presided over 17 days of hearings in June and July from 19 people and groups.
On building height and design, they supported the council's proposal for a variety of heights in the 35ha development. They said the council's approach to the density of buildings was "carefully formulated and appropriate".
The marine and fishing industries were vocal submitters to the plan change, asking for more space than the plans allowed.
Eric Barratt, managing director of Sanford seafood company, told the Herald at the hearings that the loss of parking spaces would affect his business. He was also concerned that residential and public areas were too close to areas that would remain industrial.
The commissioners said the plan change provided "sufficient protection" for the marine and fishing industries but recommended some minor amendments.
They said there should be no public access along Quarter Area 3 - the western edge of the development adjacent to Westhaven Marina - so that there was better separation of public areas and marine and fishing industry activity.
The change to the district plan relating to the Tank Farm - Plan Change 4 - aims broadly to transform the industrial area into a mixed-use environment with extensive public spaces. Auckland Regional Council this week plans to release its decision on changes to the regional coastal plan dealing with the area around the Tank Farm.
The sections of the development covered by the regional council's plan change include the $51 million Te Wero bridge, a marine events-centre at the end of Halsey St, marine activities and enhanced public amenities.
Planners hope construction on stage one can start soon, to allow as much development as possible by the time the Rugby World Cup comes to town.
Stage one includes the building of major infrastructure such as the Te Wero Bridge, the stormwater pond and key public areas such as Jellicoe Plaza and the North Wharf upgrade.
The regional council will release its decision after the Auckland City Council meets on Thursday.
The Tank Farm - officially known as the Wynyard Quarter - was used as petrochemical storage from the 1930s, and its redevelopment looks set to be the biggest in Auckland's history.
The multibillion-dollar development will include apartments, offices, shops, bars and cafes, and the existing marine and fishing industries.
A 4.25ha park at the northern tip of the site will jut out on to the Waitemata Harbour.
