A tour of the Dunedin Centre yesterday did little to resolve the dissent of three vocal critics opposed to the proposed ‘‘glass house'' development in Harrop St.
Dunedin resident Barbara Brinsley, retired Dunedin architect Ted McCoy and Otago Cancer Society functions organiser Lynley Bunton were taken on a guided tour by Dunedin City Council marketing and communications manager Debra Simes in a bid to present the options for developing the venue as a conference facility and show some of the issues within the building that made the development necessary.
The tour was similar to one given to Dunedin city councillors, members of the public and the Hands Off Harrop group. A lack of toilets, foyer space and access for people with disabilities to conference rooms on the upper floors were some of the issues highlighted.
Dunedin Centre manager Svend Tolson, Opus International Consultants Ltd project architect Sue Larkins, and OCTA Associates Ltd director and Dunedin Town Hall development project manager David O'Malley were on hand to answer any technical questions about the proposed development options.
From the outset, the trio voiced support for the option for an extension to the rear of the building, between the Dunedin Public Library and the Dunedin Centre rather than the Harrop St side.
Following the tour, Mr McCoy said he could see how complicated the conditions were for staff working in the building, but believed any development on Harrop St would mean ‘‘the death of an historical Dunedin icon''.
‘‘It's like a rabbit warren in there. I can sympathise with people having to work with three different buildings. Clearly, it's not straightforward.
‘‘But we are all concerned about the loss of Harrop St. I feel the loss of the street is a loss of a heritage site for all time. The Dunedin Municipal Chambers the Town Hall, St Paul's Cathedral - they are all number one heritage buildings.''
Ms Brinsley said there had been many letters opposing the development on to Harrop St and was worried the council saw the building as ‘‘theirs''.
‘‘We own this building - [the DCC] are the caretakers. They might be out next election and we'll all be left with their decision.''
