Dunedin Council Approves Extension for George St Demolition Plans

Oakwood Properties Ltd has received a two-year extension from the Dunedin City Council to proceed with plans for the partial demolition and redevelopment of two heritage buildings located at 250 and 252 George St. Originally approved in December 2020, the project aims to transform a shop constructed in the 1870s and a two-storey factory building from 1918 into a mixed-use space featuring retail on the ground floor and potentially seven residential apartments.

The commercial property manager for Oakwood Properties, Rosaria Marsh, indicated that the development remains in its early phases. While she confirmed that the project will include a retail component, the inclusion of residential units is still being evaluated. “Everything is looking a bit more positive on the main street in Dunedin now,” Marsh stated. “We see value in investing in the building, which is why we’ve extended.”

Challenges stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic have significantly impacted the timeline and costs associated with the project. A report noted that supply chain issues during the pandemic have escalated expenses, forcing a reevaluation of the project’s feasibility. Initial plans included retail space, seven apartments comprising a total of 13 bedrooms, six car parks, an outdoor courtyard, and a shared laundry area. However, the physical logistics of executing the upgrade work during the ongoing improvements to George St were deemed “prohibitive.”

Challenges and Future Plans for George St Redevelopment

The approved design for the redevelopment included extensive alterations, such as the demolition of the rear wall of the street-facing building and a complete gutting of the structure, excluding the roof framing. Additionally, plans called for a three-storey addition that would connect the two existing buildings.

Since the original approval, several factors have contributed to the delay. A key architect and engineer have retired, and budget estimates from 2021 and 2022 are now outdated. As a result, the design is undergoing reevaluation to ensure it aligns with the intended tenant demographic and complements the future look of George St.

Marsh emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving circumstances. “Apartments are not off the cards, but we are still figuring out what is feasible,” she said. The ongoing transformation of George St is expected to enhance its vibrancy and attractiveness as a commercial hub, making the redevelopment even more significant for the local community.

As the redevelopment moves forward, Oakwood Properties is committed to balancing heritage preservation with modern development needs, ensuring that the revitalization of George St serves as an asset for Dunedin’s residents and visitors alike.