The redevelopment of the Auckland Downtown Carpark site has been granted fast-track approval.
The project is set to turn the carpark, located on Customs Street West, into two skyscrapers, three podium buildings and a new laneway network.
Auckland Council sold the building to Precinct Properties for $122 million.
At the time, Auckland Council said the carpark would remain open until it was required for development which was expected “later in 2026”. Customers will also be told “well in advance” before it closed, it said.
Today, the Government announced the project had been granted fast-track approval, after an application by Precinct Properties in January this year.
Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop said the project will include the demolition of the seven-storey downtown carpark, followed by development of the site into “an integrated mixed-use precinct”.
“The rebuild will include a premium 55 level commercial office tower, a 162m mixed-use residential tower, a hotel, retail, food and beverage spaces, publicly accessible civic spaces and an expansive laneway network.”
Bishop added the panel found the towers’ design and spacing would limit visual impacts on the Auckland skyline.
Some issues identified during the process included impacts from traffic during construction, as well as from hotel pick-up and drop-off arrangements.
“These matters will be addressed through a range of consent conditions, including traffic management plans and the ongoing monitoring of them.”
Minister for Regional Development Shane Jones said the redevelopment will have “significant benefits” for other businesses, including tourism, retail, hospitality and others.
“The partnership Precinct Properties has with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei reflects a shared commitment to a project that delivers for Auckland. They recognise it creates economic and employment opportunity among other things in the city centre,” Jones added.
Precinct Properties chief executive Scott Pritchard said the approval represented an "early but important milstone in the development programme and we are pleased with the progress it reflects".
"We expect to provide the market with a more comprehensive update at Precinct’s annual results in August."
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including Jetstar’s carry-on changes, and Ariana Grande addresses her fans. (Source: 1News)
SHARE ME