No appeals lodged against CBD resource consent decision

Wednesday, 26 June 2019

Pictured is an artist impression of the Esk St facade as part of the proposed CBD block development.

The resource consent decision for the planned CBD block has gone through without any appeals.

Earlier this month HWCP Management Ltd was granted resource consent to demolish an almost entire Invercargill block.

The 15 working day period for submitters to appeal the decision ended at 5pm Tuesday.

The Environment Court has not received any appeals in regard to the decision.

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HWCP Management Ltd director Scott O'Donnell was thrilled the project had ticked another box and would not be held up through an appeal.

'We're excited to have heard the news that the decision of the resource consent has been uncontested. It's a great step forward for our project, which aims to revitalise the heart of our city.

'From here, we'll move through the process of finalising the project's funding, which we expect to happen in the next 6-8 weeks. Then the rubber will really hit the road, as demolition will start shortly after this.'

HWCP Management Ltd was looking for investors to carry out the $180m project.

That $180m does not include the office building on the corner of Esk and Dee St which HWR plans to build.

It also does not include the proposed hotel on the corner of Kelvin and Tay St, or the medical and civic centres of the corner of Tay and Dee St.

The Invercargill City Council is consulting the public on if it should invest up to $30 million towards the CBD development.

People have until June 28 to make a submission. There will then be a hearing of submissions on July 16 before councillors make a decision.

Retailer H&J Smith was vocal in its opposition at the resource consent hearing but has opted not to appeal the decision.

Managing director Jason Smith said they have since worked positively with HWCP to address its concerns.

Nelson-based Gaire Thompson was another to ask for resource consent to be declined, although he also has not appealed the resource consent decision.

Thompson owns the Invercargill buildings which the Warehouse, Farmers, Smiths City, and Noel Leeming lease, as well as the Cue and Menzies buildings.

He was concerned if the project proceeds it would create more vacant retail and office space, adding to the existing surplus.

'[It will leave] many parts of the city looking even more depressed, and what is even worse, the ratepayers of Invercargill, including those that have had their tenants poached, will be paying increased rates as a result.'