Key Takeaways:
- A 23-level tower with 215 residential apartments is planned for 188 Beaumont St, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland.
- The project, proposed by Precinct Properties and Orams Marine, is currently awaiting approval and has been referred for fast-tracking.
- The development will include three buildings: a 23-story tower, an eight-story marina building, and a 10-story Beaumont building.
- The project will feature a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as ground-level retail spaces and car parking.
- The developers are seeking to emphasize the building’s height as a positive aspect, citing its potential to act as a "marker building" in the cityscape.
Introduction to the Project
The Wynyard Quarter in Auckland is set to undergo a significant transformation with the proposed development of a 23-level tower at 188 Beaumont St. The project, which is being led by Precinct Properties and Orams Marine, is currently awaiting approval and has been referred for fast-tracking by Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop. The development will feature a mix of residential apartments, retail spaces, and car parking, and is expected to have a significant impact on the surrounding area.
The Proposed Development
The proposed development will consist of three buildings: a 23-story tower, an eight-story marina building, and a 10-story Beaumont building. The tower will feature 125 units, while the marina building will have 18 three-bedroom units, and the Beaumont building will have 72 units, with the option of serviced apartments for visitor accommodation. The development will also include 550sq m of ground-level retail space, 273 car parks, and 152 bike spaces. The developers are seeking to emphasize the building’s height as a positive aspect, citing its potential to act as a "marker building" in the cityscape.
History of the Site
The site at 188 Beaumont St has a complex history, with Orams Marine having previously proposed a smaller scheme for the area. However, the company’s plans were met with resistance from local residents, who were concerned about the potential impact of the development on the surrounding area. In 2022, the Wynyard Quarter Residents Association Inc filed a legal action against Auckland Council and Orams Group, seeking a judicial review over consent for the construction of three service sheds on the waterfront. However, the action was unsuccessful, and the sheds were built.
Reaction from Local Residents
Local residents have expressed concerns about the proposed development, citing concerns about the height and bulk of the building. Mark McGuinness and Megan Paine, who live in a nearby apartment block, have spoken out about the potential impact of the development on their quality of life. The pair are concerned that the development will block their views and increase noise and traffic in the area. However, the developers argue that the building’s height is a positive aspect, and that it will act as a "marker building" in the cityscape.
The Fast-Tracking Process
The project has been referred for fast-tracking by Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop, which means that it will be subject to a streamlined approval process. The fast-tracking process is designed to accelerate the development of large-scale projects, and is typically used for projects that are considered to be of national significance. The developers are hoping that the fast-tracking process will enable them to bring the project to fruition more quickly, and to begin construction as soon as possible.
Conclusion
The proposed development at 188 Beaumont St is a significant project that is expected to have a major impact on the Wynyard Quarter area. While the project has been met with resistance from local residents, the developers argue that it will bring a number of benefits to the area, including new housing and retail space. As the project moves through the approval process, it will be interesting to see how the concerns of local residents are addressed, and how the development ultimately takes shape. With its mix of residential apartments, retail spaces, and car parking, the project has the potential to be a major catalyst for growth and development in the area.
