It has a great view of the city, but many reckon this Eden Terrace eyesore is a cesspit of trouble, reports Kieran Nash.
Basque Park is one of few green spots around Eden Terrace. But this emerald oasis has a drab grey wart on its edge; an abandoned structure littered with
Partly fenced off and considered dangerous, it boasts wide views of the city, which may be the reason it attracts people to sit on its roof, where they drink and leave rubbish.
This is a concern for the people who own land in front of the bunker-like building. They wonder what will happen to their properties when they start to build there. Steve More co-owns one of the four adjacent sections.
"I'd rather it not be there. It's a bit ugly and attracts street kids."
The smashed glass, bottles and litter strewn round the area are left by people who hang out in the bunker, he says.
One option, the property owners say, is to pool their money to pursue having the bunker knocked down. At a cost of between $10,000 and $20,000, that is not the most attractive alternative, says Mr More. "I'd rather the council forced someone to do it rather than we pay for it."
Another neighbouring property owner, Ken Becker, worries about building in the area while the abandoned property hosts unwelcome guests. "The sort of people who use the derelict building could well take things from the site. As a potential resident I would be concerned about the activities that the building attracts," he says.
Another property owner, Kelley Loveridge, also worries about theft and vandalism and thinks the surrounding area is "absolutely littered. It's not pleasant to look at".
The unsightly concrete structure and property is owned by New Sun Company, whose owner Ruihu Liang is in China. Lawyer Winstone Wang, who acts for the company, says information about the owner's plans for the building remain confidential and can't be released.
Morgan Whittle has lived across the road for almost two years. She says: "There are a lot of people who hang out there, but it's not necessarily an issue. It's people who live in the area who have drinks before they go to town. They're not really a nuisance - the only issue we have is the amount of glass."
Julie-Ann Radcliffe, who also lives nearby, says people used to congregate there but behaviour has improved since the building was fenced off.
Joe Sparks and Kate MacDonald, both 18, hang out in the building and say they'll keep using it. "It's pretty harmless. A bit more could be done with it so it could be used," she says.
Auckland City Council has responded to three noise complaints and a rubbish-related complaint on the property since November 2008. It also responded to a complaint about the building's safety, and worked with the owners to make the area safer.
"The council hasn't received any further complaints about this building. We can respond to specific complaints, but council has no legislative powers to force the property owners to complete these works," says service requests manager Chris Horan.
"While we empathise with the neighbouring property owners, we are unable to force the removal of the building, either."
Basque in glory
Basque Park lies between Newton Rd, New North Rd and Ian McKinnon Dr. About $1 million was spent upgrading it between 2005 and 2007. This included a hillside of palms, a fountain and seating. Concerts have been held in the park and it is popular with people exercising their dogs.
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