By NICK PERRY
Auckland mayor Christine Fletcher wants to negotiate with property developers over the future of the Viaduct Basin.
As the city basks in the glow of Team New Zealand's successful America's Cup defence, Mrs Fletcher has said she wants to ensure all syndicate bases and public areas are kept intact
for the next regatta in 30 months.
"It is a stewardship issue and we want to make sure we protect the village."
But while the mayor has support from her deputy, Bruce Hucker, and other civic leaders, she will have to contend with property developer Viaduct Harbour Holdings, which has signalled a plan to build 300 apartments where four syndicate bases now stand.
Last month Harbour Holdings said sitting on the "very expensive" 1.5ha piece of land until the next regatta would not provide it with the best returns, and it was in negotiation to build the residential development.
Under an ownership arrangement the developer has first option to buy the land in June, an option it said it would enact.
Harbour Holdings said it had not been approached by village or local body authorities but would consider any offer put forward by them.
Mrs Fletcher also wants to ensure all relevant resource consents for the harbour are extended beyond their July expiry until the next cup, a move which will require a change to Government legislation.
She said the way to ensure the next regatta was a success was to sit down soon with all relevant parties and talk through the issues.
