Put trees before sea, say objectors

Jan O'Connor says it's like pulling down the Ferry Building. Photo / Greg Bowker

Some Takapuna residents want the Auckland Council to scrap plans for a $2.7 million revamp of their shopping centre park.

They say the plan would axe 83 trees and shrubs so park users could have a peep of the sea.

But Hurstmere Green project supporters say it would also give the town centre a civic heart and encourage commercial investment.

Devonport-Takapuna Local Board member Jan O'Connor told a hearing by independent commissioners the council's bid for resource consent should be refused.

A plan to extend the concreted area and have a deck the size of a three-bedroom house would leave less than half of the park in grass, she said.

"It is a retreat between two large buildings and people enjoy the shade and shelter of the trees.

"If they want a view of the sea there is access to the beach, but to remove 83 trees to get a view of the beach? It's mind boggling.

"It's like demolishing the Ferry Building to give a better harbour view from Queen St."

The consent bid drew 13 submissions against it and three in favour.

Environment Takapuna representative Ruth Ell said the number of trees to be sacrificed was a concern.

"For example, there is a totara tree growing well by the Post Office. It is to be replaced with a camellia hedge."

Mrs Ell agreed with several other speakers that taking away the toilets and the information centre on the shops end of the park would make a "huge difference" to views and access.

"Doing a redesign after this has happened may be the best solution.

Resident Tony Lewis said the spending was excessive for "minimal gain" in views of the beachfront and Rangitoto Island from the park.

Takapuna Beach Business Association general manager Peter White said the project's priority status was supported by the 650-business association, as well as by Takapuna 2020, the Landlords' Association and the Takapuna Residents' Association.

"This was a unique and unprecedented request," he said. "It was the first time that the four major groups representing the majority of Takapuna stakeholders had made a unified and combined submission ...

"Successive master planning studies have highlighted the disconnect between Takapuna's greatest asset [the beach] and the town centre, and the lack of a civic centre.

"Someone driving through the town centre could be forgiven for believing that they were in Otorohanga or some other central North island town.

"A redeveloped Hurstmere Green was to provide a visual and pedestrian linkage for residents, workers and visitors to enjoy."