Dunedin Council Extends Demolition Consent for Heritage Buildings

The Dunedin City Council has approved a two-year extension for resource consent allowing Oakwood Properties Ltd to partially demolish and redevelop two heritage buildings located at 250 and 252 George Street. The decision, made in response to various delays and rising costs, aims to revitalize the area while preserving its historical significance.

The buildings in question include a shop constructed in the 1870s and a two-storey factory building from 1918. Initially proposed for redevelopment in late 2020, the project envisions a ground-floor retail space alongside seven apartments. According to Rosaria Marsh, the commercial property manager for Oakwood Properties, the development remains in its early stages, with essential decisions still pending.

While confirming that a retail component will be included, Marsh noted that the feasibility of the residential aspect is still under review. She stated, “Costs had increased hugely since the Covid-19 pandemic, and we are still figuring out what is feasible.” Despite these challenges, Marsh expressed optimism about the future of George Street, highlighting, “Everything is looking a bit more positive on the main street in Dunedin now.”

The initial resource consent was granted in December 2020, but several factors delayed its implementation. The Covid-19 pandemic caused significant supply chain disruptions, which “unreasonably escalated costs for the development.” Additionally, the one-way upgrades to George Street complicated logistics, prompting a decision to defer construction until the upgrade work was completed.

During this period, complications arose, including the retirement of a key architect and engineer, which rendered previous budget estimates from 2021 and 2022 outdated. The approved design is currently undergoing re-evaluation to ensure it meets the needs of prospective tenants and aligns with the planned enhancements to George Street.

Plans originally included retail activities on the ground floor facing George Street, seven apartments comprising a total of 13 bedrooms, six car parks, an outdoor courtyard, and a shared laundry facility. The redevelopment also proposes the demolition of the rear wall of the street-facing building, with plans to gut the entire structure except for the roof framing. Furthermore, a three-storey addition is planned to connect the two existing buildings.

As the redevelopment moves forward, Oakwood Properties remains committed to investing in the historic architecture of Dunedin. The council’s extension of the demolition consent reflects a broader effort to rejuvenate the area while carefully balancing development with heritage preservation.

For more information, contact Tim Scott at [email protected].