Residents fight to keep their 'cultural marae'

The Masonic Tavern in Devonport. Photo / Dean Purcell

A Devonport group says it is trying to stop demolition of the Masonic Tavern out of an overwhelming desire to see a pub or similar hostelry on its waterfront corner for another 144 years.

The Masonic Friendly Society, which has 390 members, is calling on the Environment Court to protect "a much-loved landmark and cultural marae".

It says Redback Development's apartment proposal does not pay proper regard to the tavern being a place of significant historical and cultural importance.

"Our members want to continue walking past the Masonic Tavern and hold their head high in the knowledge they did their best to protect this unique building and especially its usage," said co-convener Claudia Page.

"If this development is allowed to proceed, generations will not have the associations that generations of people from all walks of life had with this place."

Redback has offered to restore street facades in its plan for 10 apartments and a cafe.

However, Devonport Heritage chairwoman Margot McRae said the proposal should allow all the exterior walls, early windows and the roof of the tavern building to remain.

"The rebuilt street facades would then be able to connect with the authentic walls of the tavern and the building would retain its integrity.

"Retaining the 19th century roof form and north and west walls is crucial as these give the building much of its primary architectural character."

During this week's hearing, the Historic Places Trust pressed its view that Redback's proposal fails to keep as much of the original heritage building as it could.

Paul Cavanagh, QC, who is appearing for the trust and other objectors, said both societies had marshalled their resources to secure appropriate technical evidence to enable them to present a credible case.

A core group's effort to plan the case and raise money to pursue it was "an indication that their endeavours have considerable local community support".

They represented 320 people who made submissions to the North Shore City Council and 1700 who signed a petition asking the council to give the hotel, associated buildings and site a Category A protection in the District Plan. Council protection covers only the hotel's street facade.

Yesterday, the court postponed the hearing until next month. Evidence will be given then by expert witnesses for the societies and residents.

HARBOURSIDE HOTEL

* The Masonic Tavern is one of Auckland's oldest pubs.
* The redevelopment proposes 10 apartments and a cafe while retaining the facade of the building.
* The Masonic Friendly Society opposes the development and has taken the dispute to the Environment Court.
* Devonport Heritage says the development should allow all the exterior walls, early windows and the roof of the tavern building to remain.