Reply from Westfield
May 11th, 2008. Posted in AucklandWestfield has kindly emailed me the original question (part of?) from the NZ Herald (presumedly asked by Rudman himself) and their reply:
Email from NZ Herald – 21 April 2008
[Note from Westfield: NZ Herald asked Westfield NZ to comment on the questions as highlighted below]
I understand Westfield has been in talks with ACC and the ARTA about its plans [to build a 40 storey tower in the Downtown Site] including the fact it is right over the planned inner city rail loop that would require changes to the piling/engineering components.
Also can Westfield comment on the timing – ie is this a 2 year plan or 5 year plan?
Westfield’s response
“Westfield New Zealand has been in consultation with Auckland City Council with plans for the Westfield Downtown asset.
Preliminary plans have been prepared for the redevelopment of the site into an office tower comprising 36 levels of lettable office space, sitting above a two level retail podium.
The proposed development is still at the Resource Consent approval stage and will incorporate car parking for the office tower and retail space. Auckland City Council has recommended that the Resource Consent be granted with conditions.
In regards to ARTA’s recently announced plans for a proposed inner rail loop, Westfield is working collaboratively with ARTA to accommodate future rail requirements. This extends to the Group engaging engineering and geotechnical designs in conjunction with ARTA to establish a design solution.
Westfield has yet to determine the timing for the commencement of the project - the shopping centre remains open for trade.
The first step for us is to be granted a Resource Consent from Council, prior to working through a program for this proposed development, said Mr Justin Lynch Director, Westfield NZ.
Attribute comments to Mr Justin Lynch, Director, Westfield NZ
