News briefs – May
Street leaks continue
Water leaks have continued to plague Elizabeth Street, even after a comprehensive upgrade of pipes occurred last year.
A slimy, slippery leak on the middle section of Elizabeth Street has been a hazard for walkers for months.
However Wellington Water says the ball is in the city council’s court, as investigations show the issue is with seepage (groundwater) rather than the three waters network.
“As the water seepage appeared after road and footpath reconstruction work was completed by Wellington City Council’s roading team, they’re leading management of this hazard until the issue is resolved,” a spokesperson for Wellington Water said.
“We have raised a service request to get the footpath cleaned to ensure the safety of pedestrians.”
Character areas to stay small
Mt Victoria’s diminished character areas will stay as is, after a challenge to the District Plan decision-making failed in the High Court.
LIVE WELLington took a judicial review to challenge the way the Wellington City Council and Minister Chris Bishop rejected the recommendations of independent commissioners regarding the extent of character areas across inner city Wellington.
However the challenges was dismissed by the judge and LIVE WELLington says no further legal action will occur.
Only a third of Mt Victoria’s streets are now character areas. Areas outside character and heritage zones are by default zoned for 6-storey development.
Seismic strengthening complete at the Victoria Bowling club
Seismic strengthening work has been completed at the Victoria Bowling clubrooms, meaning it’s on track to meet conditions of its new 10-year lease with the Wellington City Council.
Club president Gary Ruane says the work included included steel bracing of the exterior brick veneer of the club,
The new lease was agreed with the council in December 2022, however the new lease will not be confirmed until the club until all conditions are met. As well as ensuring the main building meets seismic standards, club needs to terminate the residential tenancy in the cottage on the grounds.
The club will pay just over $3000 a year to the council as part of the new lease, as well as rates.
