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Court delivers interim decision on gallery
AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL
MEDIA RELEASE
4 September 2007
Court delivers interim decision on gallery
Auckland City Council is delighted that the Environment Court has upheld its designation and resource consent for the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki development project.
In June and July this year, the Environment Court heard three appeals against the gallery’s designation and resource consent granted by independent commissioners. In its interim decision, received yesterday, the court did not uphold any of the issues raised by the appellants.
The court did raise one issue itself, saying the council needed to re-examine a component of the roof design as it relates to the 1887 D’Ebro and Grainger building on the corner of Wellesley and Kitchener streets.
In making his decision, Judge Newhook said it was the court’s view that the council gave successful attention to designing a gallery extension that integrated well with Albert Park.
The Mayor of Auckland City, Dick Hubbard, says he is very pleased with the court’s interim decision.
“Not only were the appellants unsuccessful, the court also found that the council had adequately considered alternative sites for the art gallery development.
“This supports the approach taken by the council to develop a world-class public gallery on the current site.”
Chris Saines, director of the Auckland Art Gallery, says he is excited that the development project has almost passed its last major hurdle.
“The council will make the required alteration to the roofline design, discuss this with the parties and seek the court’s approval within the 90-day period specified by Judge Newhook.
“We then look forward to a final decision being issued and moving ahead with the gallery closure and construction work.”
The appellants have 15 working days to appeal the interim decision.
The Auckland Art Gallery development is a key part of the Auckland’s CBD Into the future strategy, which will reinvigorate the CBD as a vibrant, dynamic, cultural and business centre.
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