The Council gave its approval for “temporary border treatment” at the end of last month.
It said the applicant, Otakou Health Ltd, bought the property in 2022 when it was already classified as a dangerous building and was now seeking its demolition, according to a structural design report by Stevenson Brown Ltd. recommended from 2021.
Otakou Health Ltd originally wanted to erect a deer fence with decorative gauze cladding while the site awaited redevelopment. However, it was believed that the transparency of the gauze would allow the open terrain to be seen while attracting graffiti.
Instead, a 2m high fence was proposed to enable the process of sourcing artworks for decoration by Ara Toi Ōtepoti – the arts and culture strategy.
“The applicant agreed to proceed with the alternative option proposed by the Council, subject to the Council potentially being able to provide the appropriate advertising/decorative panels and facilitate artistic activity,” the consent states.
“Unfortunately the council has been unable to source the necessary billboards/decorative banners (used specifically for decorative purposes) and has failed to secure funding to enable any artwork.”
Temporary construction fences would be erected on the site.
Privacy and security would be maintained and a significant impact on the site's amenities would be unlikely, the decision said.
There was no evidence of any planned redevelopment of the site.