32-unit ‘exemplar’ apartment block proposed

32-unit ‘exemplar’ apartment block proposed

The developer of the Westbourne Grove site has submitted plans to the Wellington City Council for a new apartment building, saying it will be an ‘exemplar’ project, which will set a ‘new standard’ for Wellington apartment accommodation.

Neighbours have been waiting to see the final size and shape of the controversial development, which will replace the prominent ‘Westbourne’ house at the end of the narrow Westbourne Grove, off Austin Street.

A resource consent application for the ‘Mayfair’ development has been made, which will consist of 32 ‘high-end’ apartments, along with an outdoor heated pool, sauna and gym.

Developer Mark Quinn of Forma Group said they were going ‘above and beyond’ requirements, to show the new District Plan rules can be implemented responsibly. 

Architects Design Group Stapleton Elliot were briefed to ‘produce a design that enhances the area in terms of the new District Plan, rather than simply utilising all the available permitted volume that the new District Plan affords.’

The developers had taken the ‘rare step’ of ‘volunteering’ that four neighbouring properties, 43A, 43B, 43C and 45 Austin Street, be considered as notified parties to the resource consent application.

“We have done this to recognise the interest those parties have shown in the development, and because we understand the new District Plan… is confronting for many and we are sensitive to that.”

The city’s new District Plan enables six storey developments in areas such as Austin Street, and allows the demolition of old houses that were formerly part of a character area.

A spokesperson for neighbours, Ralph Highnam, said there were major concerns about need to remove 650 truckloads of dirt down a small, single access private driveway (as stated in traffic management plans), and the fact the new development had parking for 29 cars, meaning increased traffic.

“We look forward to WCC doing the right thing and allowing the whole neighbourhood to comment on this huge tower block development during the consent process, so we end up with an appropriate and respectful development that works.”