KEY POINTS:
A hotly-debated development on the narrow peninsula between Hobson Bay and Orakei Basin has entered a new phase, and several options are now open for public consultation.
The earlier plans for 13-storey buildings on the sensitive coastal site have gone, but debate continues over revised plans for buildings up to six or eight storeys.
The developer, Redwood Group, has scaled back the height and size of its initial drive for 100,000sq m around the rail corridor at Orakei.
The company now favours a floor space of 88,000sq m with buildings up to six or eight storeys on both sides of a realigned and widened Orakei Rd.
The development would have 900 apartments and 18,000sq m of commercial space.
A second option comprises 74,400sq m with development on both sides of Orakei Rd and a third option of 69,000sq m has no buildings on the eastern side, or Orakei Basin side, of Orakei Rd.
The Redwood Group option has a potential break-even cost to the Auckland City Council. The second option would cost the council between $10 million and $20 million and the third option between $20 million and $30 million to meet lost development benefits and greater public amenities.
All options have varying degrees of open space on the coastal edge and the project would cover the train lines to form an enclosed station.
The district plan allows for 79,000sq m of floor space and a 15m, five-storey height limit on the site.
The masterplan options arose from fierce criticism by locals to plans by Redwood Group for separate developments at 228 and 246 Orakei Rd.
Orakei Residents' Society president Warren Tuohey yesterday said the 700-strong group was opposed to all the plans.
He said all three options were of a scale that could not be supported on such a narrow peninsula.
Mayor John Banks said the masterplan was a chance for the city to deliver something sound and sensible. No decision would be made until after the public had had a say. Public feedback closes on November 17.
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