Changes to Wellington’s heritage planning rules could allow an estimated 550 additional apartments in the Courtenay Place area.
The Government plans to modify height limits for non-heritage buildings within the Courtenay Place Heritage Area and remove heritage listings from Karori Tunnel, Kelburn Viaduct and the former Miramar oil storage tank.
The former General Headquarters Building at 213A Taranaki Street will retain its heritage listing.
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop confirmed the decisions following an investigation and consultation that received 162 submissions.
Economic advice commissioned for the investigation estimated the Courtenay Place changes could generate around $200 million in construction activity and support around 1,100 jobs.
Removing the Miramar tank’s listing is expected to allow commercial uses, including film studio facilities, accommodating an estimated 300 jobs.
Bishop said combined annual maintenance costs for Karori Tunnel and Kelburn Viaduct had risen from around $350,000 to $2.5 million, partly because of heritage requirements.
“Wellington needs planning rules that support investment, more housing and productive use of land and infrastructure,” he said.
The changes will be implemented through Resource Management Act regulations, which still need to go before Cabinet and the Executive Council.
