Kerbstone compromise aims to settle Queen St paving debate

The Historic Places Trust has lost the battle to keep the original kerbstones in Queen St but appears satisfied with a compromise to lay some of the stones in frequent locations down the Golden Mile.

The trust has been pushing to keep the bluestone kerbstones as part of the $40 million upgrade of Queen St, saying they add to the eclectic mix of modern development and valued heritage that gives Queen St its unique and distinctive character.

The bluestone kerbstones were quarried by prisoners in the 19th century, and some have circular indentations where old cast-iron verandah posts sat.

When work started on the Queen St upgrade in January, the old kerbstones were replaced with wider replicas as Auckland City politicians, officers and the Historic Places Trust debated what to do.

Council heritage manager George Farrant said he was "hopeful" the council would accept his preference to keep about 30 to 40 per cent of the original kerbstones within the new paving, as close to the original kerbstone line as possible.

"They have got to be reasonably frequent, otherwise it becomes a bit meaningless," said Mr Farrant.

He said the idea was being costed. Depending on what the council decided, original kerbstones could be installed from Mayoral Drive to Wellesley St by cutting through the new paving and inserting some kerbstones. The original kerbstones would also be inserted during the next stages of the project.

The northern region general manager of the trust, Sherry Reynolds, said she had written to the council last month reiterating that the trust wanted to see all the kerbstones kept and for those removed to be put back. "At the very least, it is considered that kerbstones should be retained (and able to be read as 'kerbstones') in frequent locations along Queen St, especially in areas where there are concentrations of heritage buildings," the letter said.

Councillor Christine Caughey, who chairs the council's environment, heritage and urban form committee, said the kerbstones were robust, part of Auckland's heritage and should be kept as kerbstones - but would accept the fallback position.

"I'm concerned that it is fashion that is tossing out something that is valued by many Aucklanders," Christine Caughey said.