A $1.2 billion housing development in Auckland is finally going ahead, after years of opposition.
Quarry land being cleared for housing in Three Kings in Auckland. Photo: RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson
Fletcher Residential is planning to build up to 1500 apartments at the former Three Kings quarry.
Two community groups had been trying to stop the development through Environment Court action.
An artist's impression of the planned housing development in the former Three Kings quarry. Photo: Fletcher Building
Environment Minister Nick Smith said all the parties had now reached an agreement, with a central part of solving Auckland's housing issues depending on large scale inner city redevelopments such as this one.
"This agreement is great news for Auckland. It will provide up to 1500 homes close to the city on well-established transport links. It will transform the eyesore of a derelict quarry into a modern, integrated, inner-city community with a town centre, high-quality public spaces and playing fields."
The two community groups said they were pleased to have achieved a compromise with Fletchers, with the company adopting several of their requests, including keeping more open space.
Fletcher Residential said the masterplan for the renewal of Three Kings had been 10 years in the making, and it could now finally start building.