Main features of the development

Some of you may not be aware of the full size and scale of the proposed re-development, so I will outline the main features of the development below.

The plan is to demolish EVERYTHING on site, with the exception of six cottages in the southeast corner (MacPherson/Bonnie Brae corner).

The replacement buildings will be a number of 2,3,4,5 storey apartment blocks. These apartment blocks will house 240 apartments (one, two and three bedroom – the majority being 2 bedroom) and a 44 bed hospital. There will be a large underground car-park, and some above ground parking. It is expected that there will be approximately 450 people (residents & staff) on site once the development is completed - currently there are less than 170 people on site. A number of mature trees will be removed to make way for the apartments. The construction period is estimated to be anywhere between 5 and 10 years.

There are major implications resulting from the above, including:

• To create the underground car park large amounts of earth will be excavated – this has to be transported from the site, probably up Meadowbank Rd.
• Large demolition/construction vehicles up and down Meadowbank Rd and possibly other surrounding streets (including Harapaki and Fancourt)
• Noise and dust from the demolition and construction over a long period of time.
• Increased traffic up and down Meadowbank Rd and other surrounding streets (including Harapaki, Fancourt, Corinth) from the additional people on site
• Increase in the number of cars parked on surrounding roads – these are already congested with commuters using the train station
• Bonnie Brae Rd residents will be dominated by a 3 story apartment block overlooking their back-yards

Note that if the whole site was to be used for housing, the absolute maximum number of houses that could be built is 68 - somewhat less than the 240 apartments proposed. This is a HIGH density development. In addition, Qualcare are proposing to have 40% site coverage, whereas under the District Plan they are only allowed 35%.

Do you want 5 storey apartment blocks in our neighbourhood? Do you want this to set a precedent for other developments in the area?

I appreciate that a number of you have already acted by contacting me, but please do more – ensure that your neighbours know the full extent of the proposed development. Please get out and meet your neighbours and get them to contact me. We have put in a leaflet in most letterboxes in Meadowbank, but I'm sure that some leaflets were treated as junk mail.