Beach plan’s associated cost

Press, 14 December 1983, Page 9

Beach plan’s associated cost

Costs of about $130,000 could be associated with the $8.5 million aquarium-tavern-family restaurant development proposed for the central New Brighton foreshore.

The largest single costs would be development of further car-parking, in addition to the 110 spaces provided with the project, and demolition of existing structures on the site.

Shifting of the war memorial itself, which stands on top of the steps facing the sound shell, could cost about $15,000. Talks will be held with the proposed developer about possible incentives that might be offered by the Christchurch City Council. Councillors have been told that associated costs could include the development of 28 car-parking spaces ($47,600), recovery of the clock and commemorate stone from clock

tower ($2000), demolition of the clock tower and removal of debris ($7000), restoration of the King Edward Fountain ($2000), demolition of the sound, shell building and removal of debris ($10,000), demolition of the steps and removal of debris ($10,000), and construction of a road frontage kerb, footpath and bus bay ($21,000). The present seafront had not been damaged by sea action for at least 60 years, and it seemed that there would be no need for any extra sea protection costs because of the new development.

It was possible that some of the associated costs could fall on the developer. The council has decided to initiate a District Scheme variation over part of the foreshore recreation zone that would allow building of the aquarium complex. An agreement should be, reached with the developers

as soon as possible on cost apportionment, councillors said.

The clock tower would have to be removed because the prospective developers require a registered lease over the land.

A legal survey and subdivision would have to be done, and a 20m esplanade reserve would be created under that requirement. An original plan for a building on the old Shoreline Cabaret site had the structure encroaching on such an esplanade reserve, and the building would have to be sited closer to the road to avoid the reserve.

The proposed foreshore development zone covers 6700 sq m opposite the eastern end of Brighton Mall.

The aquarium building, which would include a rooftop promenade, is seen as a replacement for the old New Brighton pier. About 2300 sq m of public

road, which has not been used as a street, would be stopped under the proposal. Two Wellington companies, Goston Property Services and the Realty Development Corporation, have proposed the tourist attraction.

A range of concessions and incentives could be considered by the council, including the deferral of ground rental until the development produces income.

A concessional rent of perhaps 1 per cent of the assessed land value could be paid for the first three years. After that, the rent could rise to a market level of between 7 and 8 per cent.

For valuatiori purposes, the land value would be determined according to comparable commercial values in the Brighton MaH.

The council has no power

to offer rates relief as an incentive to new businesses.

The Auckland City Council has obtained empowering legislation that allows it to remit rates up to two years for commercial developments of more than $500,000 in value which would work to the financial advantage of the district. Christchurch cannot make such concessions. Power concessions for industry could be discussed with the Municipal Electricity Department. A development levy required under Local Government Act provisions, up to .5 per cent of a development’s assessed value, could be studied. But councillors have been told in a staff report that it would be risky to grant a waiver because a present reserve area would be occupied by a building which was mainly commercial.