Some deck objections deemed irrelevant

Dozens of public objections to a new deck beside the Dunedin Railway Station, as part of a restaurant development, look set to be ignored.

The council has received more than 60 public submissions on Cobb & Co Dunedin’s plans for a 150sq m deck on public land at the northern end of the railway station.

The submissions followed confirmation late last year a group of Dunedin businesspeople had signed a lease with the Dunedin City Council to progress the restaurant development.

The deck has already been granted resource and building consent, but the proposal to occupy public land will be the subject of a public hearing on Monday.

A report to the hearing, by council property officer Tim Buchanan, said three-quarters of the 61 submissions received opposed the plans.

However, 34  were deemed ‘‘out of scope’’, because they focused on the deck’s design and its impact on heritage values, he said.

Only the 27 submissions on the occupation of public land should be considered, of which 16 (or 59%) were opposed and 11 (41%) were in support, he said.

Critics included Anne Baldock, who argued the deck would rob people of an attractive green space and "spoil one of the most beautiful buildings in the city".

"It is fantastic that other derelict buildings are being restored to operate as businesses, but why try and change a building that has been kept in its original pristine condition since it was built?"

Jack Gordge said the deck’s design was "poorly done" and its gas fireplace and steps would be "bizarrely out of touch with the history of the building and the architectural style".

He was not against development, but heritage buildings needed to treated in a "respectful" way, he said.

The railway station would be "severely and detrimentally affected" by the changes, which would "greatly diminish the aura of the building", he warned.

"Dunedin’s architectural history is appropriately celebrated throughout the city, but we must remain vigilant in our protection of these masterpieces."

Others took a different tack, including Kirsten Koch, who said it was "not acceptable" for public land to be occupied by a private company in search of profits.

If change was needed, the land should be offered to the Otago Farmers Market to allow it to expand, she believed.

However, Cobb & Co Dunedin general manager Ange Copson defended the plans in her own submission, saying the deck would help ensure financial viability for the restaurant and its 40-plus staff.

She had worked closely with Heritage New Zealand to ensure the design was in keeping with the rest of the railway station, and it would fit well with other developments — from the warehouse precinct to Emerson’s Brewery.

The deck would be hidden in photographs of the railway station’s front or southern vistas, but would boost the area’s vibrancy and allow people to enjoy dining "in an iconic building".

"I understand people’s concerns around the Railway Station — it’s part of Otago’s tapestry," she said.

"However, what is most important is being able to have the funds to maintain such a building, and, like it or not, this comes from stable, long-standing tenants being able to pay rent.

"Having the deck is key to this for us."

Other supporters included Sophie Barker, who said the outdoor dining area would be part of a "wonderful use" for the building that added "life and energy" to the area, especially at night.

Dunedin Railways business manager Toby Mann also backed the development, saying it would increase vibrancy without compromising the "iconic station photo image".

"We look forward to welcoming them to the station."

Mr Buchanan, in his report, said the station was listed by Heritage New Zealand as a Category 1 building, but that did not include the green space the deck would cover.

The council was required to consult on the occupation of the land by Cobb & Co, but the development would not reduce amenity and would give the public new ways to enjoy the area, he said.

Five cherry trees next to the deck would not be disturbed, during or after construction, and would block views of the deck, he said.

Monday’s hearing would be before independent commissioner Gary Rae.

chris.morris@odt.co.nz