AUCKLAND The construction of a 46-storey apartment complex next to St Patricks Cathedral would contradict Auckland City Councils district plan and possibly affect the foundations of the refurbished category 1 historic building, Catholic officials have argued. Sanctuary Developments has applied for resource consent to build a 144-metre complex that would be situated just 14 metres from the edge of St Patricks Cathedral. If approved, it would become the fifth-tallest building in central Auckland.
The site on which the apartment complex would be built 51-53 Albert St went up for sale at about the same time plans were being made for the restoration of St Patricks Cathedral. Cathedral representatives spoke to city officials about buying the property to extend the public space around the historic church, but the city didnt have the funds. Auckland diocese then considered buying the land in the hope of avoiding a major development similar to the one being proposed by Sanctuary Developments.
We always operate within a scarcity of funds and we had other priorities at that time, said diocesan general manager Kerry Coleman, adding that no offers were made for the purchase of the site.
In submissions to Auckland City Council and other documents opposing the proposed development, cathedral and diocesan representatives have raised a number of issues.
Two of the major issues, Mr Coleman explained, are the possible destabilisation of the cathedrals foundation during construction of the building and allowing traffic on St Patricks Square, which is currently a pedestrian mall.
A lot of money was spent restoring the cathedral, including on strengthening the building, so the diocese doesn't want to see that work jeopardised without raising objections.
The diocese will also make the case that traffic could enter the proposed buildings parking facilities from Albert St, rather than through St Patricks Square.
Other concerns raised in separate submissions from the diocese and the cathedral include the loss of sunlight to the cathedral and square and possible soil contamination on the site, which previously housed McDonald Halligan Motors.
Hearings on Sanctuary Developments resource consent application are scheduled for April 17 and 28.