Luxury hotel pushes city limits

FIVE-STAR: The proposed location for a luxury hotel, shown at centre in grey.

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A change to height limits in the heritage Britomart precinct has been proposed to allow for a luxury hotel.

Cooper and Company plan to build a five-star harbour-front hotel on Quay St, incorporating two historic buildings.

The private company, formerly known as Bluewater, holds a contract from Auckland City Council to manage development at the Britomart precinct.

The council’s objective for the contract was to create a "low-rise, heritage-based area".

But the developer now says the hotel can’t be built within the 24-metre height limit, and has put forward a private plan change to extend it. Chief executive Matthew Cockram says the existing seven-storey structure is not big enough for a top-quality hotel.

"The plan change is therefore essential to allow a five-star hotel to be built here," Mr Cockram says.

"If the change is not approved, we intend to build a mixed-use development instead."

Firm designs won’t be drawn up until the plan change is confirmed.

But the company says it would be New Zealand’s best hotel, and lead the market in efficient design and "green" building standards.

It would include at least 175 rooms, generous suites and large-scale service areas.

The plan change asks to apply the Harbour Edge Height Control Plane, which would allow for up to 80 metres on Quay St and up to 105 metres on Tyler St.

Bluewater was part of a consortium which won the contract to develop Britomart in 2004 after a design competition.

The consortium later disbanded, leaving Cooper and Company sole developers.

The five-hectare precinct is bordered by Britomart Place, Quay St and Customs St.

Plans include refurbishing 18 historic buildings and constructing seven new ones, including the new hotel.

Submissions on the plan change close on July 28. Contact the council on 379-2020.

- © Fairfax NZ News