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Opponents of a bid to turn Devonport's Masonic Tavern into waterfront apartments say its true heritage value is being glossed over by promoters.
Conservation architect Graeme Burgess told planning commissioners yesterday the developer's conservation plan was inadequate for a "rare survivor" of colonial settlement. It failed to establish the actual heritage values of the place, for example, one of the former proprietors was listed as R. Bragato, 1912.
"This is most likely Romeo Bragato," said Mr Burgess. "He was government viticulturist from 1902-1909 and was largely responsible for the establishment of the modern wine industry in New Zealand."
Better research would have expanded the history of the people associated with the
tavern and further reinforced the historical significance of the place.
Mr Burgess, who gave evidence for the Masonic Friendly Society, said the promoters also underplayed the great age of the earliest buildings on the site.
Evidence from North Shore City Council planning staff showed the two-storey wooden hotel built in 1866 to plans by Auckland's first architect Richard Keals retained most of its original form and materials.
The 1880s additions to the tavern - the work of Edward Bartley - the Church St addition and the extension of the northwest wing were in excellent condition for their age and enhanced the significance of the building.
Mr Burgess said the old parts should have proper protection by the council's District Plan because they were nationally important.
Changes proposed to the tavern, particularly the demolition of its oldest section, were inappropriate use and would result in loss of very significant cultural heritage.
Applicant Red Back Development said its proposal not only met District Plan rules but offered further protection for heritage values.
Matthew Casey QC said the company's plans to adapt heritage buildings were designed to minimise the changes to the parts of the buildings that had heritage values.
"The applicant strongly refutes contentions that the historic heritage has been compromised to meet the objectives of the development," said Mr Casey.
The Historic Places Trust said that in order to retain the integrity of the building, the tavern ought to be "retained as a structure". But Mr Casey said this was despite the trust acknowledging that the building had been highly modified.
