Neighbour Claims $30,000 Over Auckland Apartment Block Issues

A business owner in Epsom, Auckland, is in pursuit of a $30,000 compensation following significant disruptions caused by a half-finished apartment block. The Epsom Central Apartments Project, which has been stalled for six years, faced scrutiny from the Auckland Council for failing to comply with building consent regulations.

Originally initiated by Epsom Central Apartments LP, the project fell into receivership in 2022 and was acquired by Xiao Liu, director of Reeheng Limited, in September 2023. Community members have criticized the incomplete structure, describing it as a “blight on the Epsom landscape,” which has attracted pests and squatters since construction ceased.

Forrest Tan, the owner of neighbouring business Just Laptops, reported that the deteriorating condition of the building has led to safety concerns. In 2024, parts of the structure began to collapse, with metal debris falling onto his property. One incident involved steel bars piercing a worker’s car in the parking area. As a result, Tan was forced to close his shop for three months while hazardous materials were removed.

Tan took his grievances to the disputes tribunal, where he and several other affected parties initially sought a collective settlement. They reached an agreement for a $60,000 payout, but Tan claims none of the group members have received any funds. He subsequently pursued an individual claim and was awarded $30,000 by the tribunal, which ruled that Reeheng Limited must make the payment by October 17, 2024. A second ruling on July 30, 2025, mandated immediate payment, confirming Tan’s entitlement to compensation for lost income due to the closure of his business.

“The tribunal recognized our losses, but we’re still waiting for the money,” Tan stated. He noted that the ongoing issues with the apartment block and the slow pace of progress are disheartening. In August 2024, he demolished his own building partly in preparation for a new construction project and partly due to the damage sustained from the concrete collapse.

Tan expressed concern about the potential for further delays and complications if demolition of the adjacent building does not occur promptly. “It would be extremely difficult to remove it safely, given the structure’s location on a busy road,” he remarked.

Progress at the Epsom Central Apartments site has been minimal since construction halted in 2019. Dominique Bonn, president of the Greenwoods Corner Epsom Business Association, indicated that while some scaffolding has been removed, the lack of substantial development continues to affect local businesses.

“The prolonged abandonment is not merely an eyesore; it actively impacts nearby traders and residents,” Bonn noted. The community has seen an increase in issues such as break-ins and pest infestations, which have been directly linked to the derelict property.

Bonn emphasized the need for accountability regarding stalled developments, urging that communities should not bear the long-term consequences of abandoned projects. “This lack of progress is disheartening for local businesses and the wider area,” he added, highlighting the character of the neighbourhood that is at risk.

Reeheng Limited has been contacted for a response regarding this situation. As the community awaits further developments, the pressure mounts for a resolution that could restore both safety and business viability in the area.