Vital project on hold

A "vital development" that could revitalise the Spreydon community has been put on hold due to zoning and consent issues.

The proposal would see an assortment of boutique shops, small local manufacturers, food outlets and a seating area on the corner of Rosewarne, Coronation and Selwyn Streets.

The Spreydon-Heathcote Community Board has given the green light, but the city council has delayed giving it the okay.

This area is on the eastern side of the Selwyn St village, where the city council has a master plan for development. Community board chairman Phil Clearwater told The Observer one of the reasons it's being delayed is due to part of the land identified as a living zone and part of the land identified as a business zone.

"The proposal fits with the Selwyn St master plan, which residents and the board were involved in developing. It's frustrating that an application that's had so much work put into it is being delayed. I don't think that the living zone should be treated any differently to a business zone.

The two different zone areas shouldn't negate the value of using the Selwyn St master plan.

"If we don't use it then it's been a huge amount of time, effort and work that went into the plan wasted. It would serve no purpose, which would be a dreadful shame. This is a very important development that is vital to the Spreydon community," he said.

Mr Clearwater said the proposal would include retail expansion and sheltered areas for people to enjoy a coffee or meeting together. "The feedback given by the community told us they wanted a community shopping centre rather than a shopping mall. They wanted the local flavour maintained. The board is really excited about this proposal and in support of it.

"It was a positive presentation and this initiative could be just what the community needs to revitalise it after the earthquakes," he said.

Lee Pee Ltd, which is behind the development, refused to talk to The Observer.