Villagers say building does not fit

Residents say the development seems like four storeys, not three. Photo / Brett Phibbs

St Heliers residents are outraged at the construction of a "monstrosity" which they say is destroying the village's beachfront image.

A three storey concrete complex is being built on the corner of Tamaki Drive and Maheke St which will accommodate a Westpac bank, a restaurant, medical offices and residential apartments.

Resident Grant La Hood said the building was horrible and the beginning of the death of St Heliers.

"It has become what is commonly regarded as the monstrosity of the town. It's a total eyesore. It doesn't fit in with the characteristics of the town."

Last week, three 70-year-old art deco cottages on Turua St were demolished after a five-year battle between developers and heritage campaigners.

Mr La Hood protested against the demolition and said he was disappointed the village's "hotch-potch" image was being ruined by this building.

"This is just another time that the council has let us down. The council could have stopped [its construction] in a number of ways and could have built something with character. The council has totally screwed the neighbourhood over."

The partially constructed concrete building is owned by Auckland firm Magellan Investments and will be built around a public courtyard. It is described on the sign outside as a "contemporary new development by international architect Ian Moore".

Peter Sage, who lives opposite the construction site, called it an abomination.

"It's too big to retain the village atmosphere.

"They claim its only three storeys but with the high studs its really four. It's completely overpowering."

Mr Sage said he hates having to look at it every day and he thinks the council will be hard pressed to stop the village from losing its beachside image.

"It's not the owner's fault, I mean they're only doing what they can on the land. They want to get a return on the money they spent on the land so built as high as they could go. It's the council's fault because they could have stopped this earlier."

Auckland councillor Cameron Brewer, who represents the area, also did not think the design of the complex belonged in St Heliers.

"A lot of people are surprised that a 12.5m building can be built in the St Heliers village but that maximum height restriction has been around for about 10 years ...

"What upsets me is that it does not reflect the seaside village character. St Heliers is the last seaside village in the old Auckland City and we've got to do all we can to avoid chilly bins being built."

He said as chairman of the council's urban design panel he would try to ensure all future buildings match their surroundings.

However, some residents do not want to judge it before it is finished - Gavin and Cheryl Austin said they were looking forward to the building opening because of the restaurant.

"The owners of the restaurant are very good. They also own Cafe in Kohi which is really nice ... Something had to be done about the old building. It looks like they're building a decent property and the open plan will be nice."

Sue Martin is also optimistic about what the building will look like when it is finished.

"I've had a look and I like the finished plan. At the moment it looks like a concrete mess, but it looks like it will be an ultra modern, nice design ... But I wish something more beachy was going in."