St Lukes mall expansion on hold

St Lukes would double in size. Photo / Steven McNicholl

A decision on a plan to double the size of St Lukes shopping centre was last night deferred for new reports after angry reactions from local residents.

Independent assessments done for the Auckland City Council this week recommended Westfield's plan to create New Zealand's largest mall be approved.

But councillors deferred the decision pending a report from council officers. They said they would decide before their council was disbanded on October 31.

Angry residents around Westfield St Lukes called in a specialist lawyer to fight the plan.

The St Lukes Community Association hired Wellington lawyer Mai Chen, of public law specialists Chen Palmer following the independent assessment last week.

Chen said she had sought assurances from mayor John Banks that the council would not accept the report which would allow the 4.5ha Auckland mall, with cinemas and supermarkets, to become a 9.2ha giant.

Westfield says lack of facilities in the area created a strong demand for more shops.

But association chairman Graham Dekker says 1920s bungalows will soon face 10-storey mall facades if the plans go ahead. Traffic, noise, nuisance and the urban environment were all cited.

Chen yesterday circulated a letter to councillors imploring them not to accept the report or back Westfield, which she claimed would leave the Super City in an impossible position, as both appellant and respondent.

"The association opposes the plan change and has filed submissions against it as have many of its members," Chen's letter said.

"They are concerned that it will, if adopted, permanently change the character of the St Lukes area and represent a fundamental change to their lives and community.

"The association is concerned that a decision of such fundamental importance to the Auckland community should not be rushed through.

"The council has no democratic or political mandate to commit the Auckland community to the plan change and should therefore postpone making any decision in the interests of local democracy."