A crappy old building in downtown Auckland which was given a rate payer funded make over to make its wealthy neighbours happy during the rugby world cup, is now been considered to be given heritage status.
But forcing hertiage status will make it even harder for the owner or future owners to turn it from an eyesore into something that is actually productive.
If the council really wanted to help the suituation, they should work with the owner, to help him untangle all the complex rules in the district plan and building code to try and get the building up and running with tennants who will actually look after the building. This will create work, jobs, accommodation, and taxes across the board and ensure the building is actually cared for and protected in the future.
