AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

27 October 2006

Council protects historic Paykel House

Auckland City will protect the Paykel House in Parnell as a Category B heritage building under the council’s district plan.

The Edwardian villa and its surrounds at 42 St Stephens Ave will join 269 other heritage buildings and objects, which are protected by the city council on the Auckland isthmus.

The chair of the council’s Environment, Heritage and Urban Form Committee, Councillor Christine Caughey, says the decision to schedule the property is a victory for heritage in the city and those who campaigned for the building’s protection.

“This decision underscores the council’s commitment to ensuring that the city’s natural and built heritage is persevered for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.

“The Paykel home is a valuable asset in the broad suite of heritage buildings the city protects. This property is significant not only because of its architecture, but because of its links to one of the city’s prominent families.”

A hearings panel considered a total of 90 submissions on the proposal to schedule the home. The majority supported the plans, with only one submission lodged in opposition.

Ms Caughey says the process to schedule the Paykel House has taken some years and she’s pleased it now has the protection it deserves.

She says any moves to develop the site will now have to take appropriate consideration of the protection given to the Paykel House.

A private developer currently has a resource consent application before the council to develop part of the site and a neighbouring property.

This proposes to restore the Paykel House and develop residential apartments on the neighbouring site. It has been notified and will be considered by a hearings panel.

Ms Caughey says, “I believe this is a way forward which acknowledges the desires of heritage campaigners, the property owners, and the people of Parnell and Auckland city.”

The decision of council to schedule the property can be appealed through the Environment Court and appellants have 30 working days to lodge an appeal.

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