The Dunedin City Council has recommended the entire external envelope of Lookout Point Fire Station and the attached accommodation block, alongside 145 other properties, be listed on the heritage schedule, as part of proposed changes to the district plan.
Fire and Emergency South Island property manager Stephen Hill submitted against the change on behalf of the organisation, saying heritage protections would limit upgrades needed to keep the building at the required "emergency response" standard.
Mr Hill said the 70-year-old building was in an optimal location, but was earthquake-prone and would need significant redevelopment in the future.
"It needs structural strengthening, and it needs completely remodelled to be functional for us."
Work was ongoing to decide on the most appropriate type of redevelopment.
Mr Hill also disputed the council’s assessment of the building’s heritage significance.
"You can’t balance that with the need for an operational site.
"It’s never been recognised previously with any historic value, although we recognise it’s a landmark — there’s no question about that."
The detached accommodation blocks, also owned by Fire and Emergency New Zealand, were not included in the proposed listing.
The council’s heritage assessment identified a "distinctive design" and location next to the Southern Motorway which gave the building a "landmark quality within the city".
"Minor alterations to the fire station have been made since it was built ... However, the buildings retain their overall architectural integrity," the report said.
The station was designed by prominent Dunedin architectural firm Mandeno, Fraser and Galbraith, which also completed the Dunedin Town Hall and Central Fire Station.
Last week, the council released the 282 public submissions it received last year on about 750 proposed changes to the district plan.
Of those, 132 related to heritage changes — 68 wanted the related submission accepted, 44 for the submission to be rejected, 15 asked for the change to be accepted with amendments and five submitters wanted a change amended if it was not rejected.
Other high-interest areas were watercourse mapping, acoustic insulation and scheduled trees.
People with "an interest greater than the public at large" could make a further submission on any of the changes requested.
The second submission period opened last Wednesday and closes next Tuesday.
Hearings are expected to be held mid-year.
