JOHN ELLIOTT: LOCAL NEWS MODERN ARCHITECTURAL DEVELOPMENT FOR MINI GARAGE SITE THE NEW DEVELOPMENT ON THE MINI GARAGE SITE, KNOWN AS LOT 3, IS the latest Ponsonby development proposal to attract criticism from heritage lovers. With just a couple of concept drawings to look at, there are criticisms about size, site coverage, building materials, and appropriateness in amongst heritage buildings. I am a great lover of our Victorian heritage - our 1900s villas - and our blocks of Victorian commercial spaces, including the red brick former Open Late Cafe building, owned now by Stephen Marr, on the corner of Ponsonby Road and Richmond Road, adjoining the new proposed development. I like what I’ve seen and heard so far, and believe the new development will be a classy addition to Ponsonby’s building stock. It’s never easy from concept drawings to get a real feel for what it will look like on the ground, but I spoke with Stephen Marr, who is anxious to see a synergy between his old building and the new one. Stephen pointed out that good modern architecture, “always provokes a reaction, and there is always tension in creating something good.” Stephen Marr thinks we have a record of doing density badly. He wants the new building to have a timelessness and a bit of real quality. But another thing Marr emphasises is the importance of what he calls, “the attitude and the activity going on in the complex, rather than the building itself,” featuring a combination of hospitality and commercial. Jasmax are the architects for the project, and their brochure is very classy, with lots of impressive concept drawings. As I’ve already said, it’s hard to say how they will all look in reality.
residential that we can, and four storeys, with nearly 100% land coverage seems sensible to me. I agree that modern buildings should not detract from our Victorian heritage, and new developments should be “ sympathetic” to nearby 1900s buildings. The big argument is how to judge “sympathetic”. There are those who hate the modern addition to the ASB trust iconic building on the corner of Ponsonby Road and Crummer Road. Others can’t stand the modern, rusting addition alongside the old Rob Roy Hotel. There is considerable heat developing about the proposed building on the corner of Ponsonby Road and Pember Reeves Street (two commercial units and three residential apartments.) I would have thought that that development embodies the council principle of population intensification reasonably well, but tell that to the neighbours, and the heritage non-compromisers. The responsibility statement by Toot Group in their brochure says this: The opportunity to be involved in the evolution of a site as important as Lot 3 arises only once in a lifetime. With this privilege comes a responsibility; to the people of Ponsonby and the wider community. This is a feeling shared by all involved-from the project team to the Valabh Family Trust that owns the land. Having resided in the neighbourhood for over four generations, both the family and Stephen Marr – who owns the historic brick building at 134 Ponsonby Road and first commenced business here over two decades ago – are committed to the long-term future of Ponsonby.
I’m becoming increasingly concerned that there are some people who want nothing less than replica 1900s buildings, with site coverage of 35% or so, and limited in height to about three storeys, at the highest point of a peak roof.
Self praise is no recommendation, and Jasmax goes on to say: Featuring an innovative mix of bespoke retail, hospitality, office spaces and studios-intersected by laneways and spilling into sun drenched public spaces – Lot 3 is integrated urban design and architecture at its finest. If only some of those highflown sentiments are realised, Lot 3 may well become an architectural and retail attraction par excellance.
We are facing huge problems trying to intensify population growth in the city fringe area, to put into practice the edict of the Auckland Council that 70% of Auckland’s growth in the next 40 years must be inside current city boundaries. I support that policy, but dealing with the not-in-my-back-yard attitudes of local residents will not be easy. However, we must make the best use of space for both commercial and
Preserve the best of our heritage - there are rampant developers out there who would throw their grandmother out of her villa if they had a chance to make a quid - but don’t miss the opportunity to use the best of modern architecture to make new and exciting buildings which will be treasured in a hundred years just as the best of 1900 are treasured now. (JOHN ELLIOTT) PN
The World Belongs to the Dissatisfied
DEADLINE – 20TH OF THE MONTH March 2013 PONSONBY NEWS+
25