Mt Cook mobilised

Hello, kia ora

Here is the latest news on the proposed development of the BGI site, as far as I can tell:

• the Pak ‘n Save formula may not apply – the proposed supermarket is likely to be smaller, more “unique”
• the City Council has not received an application or been shown plans and therefore has no view or comment to make on the proposal
• the WCC can only concentrate on certain aspects of an application when it is received. The Councils ability to approve or reject aspects of the proposal will be limited to traffic effects, streetscape impacts and overall urban design
• the BGI building can be demolished without approval because it doesn’t have heritage status
• nearby the Council’s urban development strategy aims to “transform Adelaide Rd into a low-rise apartment boulevard supported by appropriate ground floor activities” (Ernst Zolner, 13 July 07)

The Swim School

TSW Swim School seems to be of the view that:

• water safety and the future of swimming in Wellington is jeopardised by closure of the BGI pool and the resident swim school
• the swimming pool in the BGI building is a the end of its life and would need to be significantly upgraded or replaced with a new facility
• Wellington needs a dedicated swimming training facility because there is not sufficient capacity to train swimmers in Wellington without the pool in the BGI building
• While the WCC has no plans to build further swimming facilities in the next decade, the Council could partner with others parties to ensure a new dedicated swimming training facility is established
• compiling a voice of concern, signed by TSW patrons, will demonstrate to the WCC, and presumably other institutions, that there is demand for a dedicated swim school facility.

For more information from TSW contact Scott Wilson

Buildings in danger

The Boys [and Girls] Institute Building, built in 1914, and

Terraced houses on the corner of Rugby and Belfast Streets.

Thats all for now.

Posted by Geoff