A hearing over plans to add a glass deck to one side of the Dunedin Railway Station has been told it is a courageous move to revive the building.
The proposal by the Cobb and Co family restaurant chain to add a 22m by 5m glass deck to the north end of one of the most photographed buildings in the country already has resource consent, but needs approval to use public green space.
An artist's impression of the glass deck planned for Dunedin's historic railway station. Photo: Supplied / Architecture FDA
The plan attracted 61 submissions - 45 were opposed, but more than half were ruled out of scope because they focused on heritage or aesthetic issues not public space.
There were 15 submissions opposing the use of the grass for a private venture.
Some said it was a popular spot, and the glass deck would make one of Dunedin's special spaces ugly.
Heritage New Zealand supports the proposal.
An independent development consultant, Kevin Fleury, told the commissioner he was worried when he first heard the plan, but supports it fully now that he has seen the drawings.
Architect Kevin Fleury supports the plan after having seen the drawings. Photo: RNZ / Ian Telfer
That part of the building has been vacant for six years, and Mr Fleury said though there had been attempts at restaurants in that space, it has been 15 years or more since there was a successful venture.
"I think this is a courageous venture, because history did not stop in 1906 when that building was made... The amenity value of a deck will be the difference between viability and not," Mr Fleury said.
A Dunedin woman, Marilyn Edge, said the Dunedin Railway Station had become the focus of the tourism industry, instead of for local people.
"The new restaurant will breathe life into a building that is essential dead, currently, to locals," said Mrs Edge.
"The only time I have ever seen people actually sitting on the grass, having picnics, is farmer's market day... it's very seldom I have seen anyone there.
"Empty historic buildings have no place in Dunedin, and the placement of the deck will enhance the use of the railway station."
Philippa Jack talked about her opposition via a pre-recorded video. Photo: RNZ / Ian Telfer
Philippa Jack and her 10-year-old son, Hugh, were the only ones to speak about their opposition today, appearing on a pre-recorded video.
Ms Jack told the commissioner the deck would change the dynamics of a valuable piece of public green space.
She said her children would often lie on the grass there, or run around there, because it is sheltered from the wind and traffic noise, and has cherry trees for sun shade.
She said park benches should be installed, instead of a private deck only accessible by restaurant goers.
Hugh Jack said he had good memories of that park.
"I don't think there should be a deck because it would change the appearance of one of Dunedin's historic, famous buildings and we would no longer be able to enjoy this area in the same way", he said.
Cobb and Co Dunedin director Ange Copson. Photo: RNZ / Ian Telfer
But one of the directors of Cobb and Co Dunedin, Ange Copson, said it was not impacting negatively.
"We're adding value. The station is a stunning building, [but] it naturally has a large amount of upkeep. We have a successful restaurant and can support the upkeep of the building," said Ms Copson.
