Plans to demolish the Hanna Block at King's School in Remuera will go ahead, following a decision by the council's Auckland Development Committee on 8 December.
The committee voted 11 votes to seven not to issue a heritage order on the building, which means the demolition consent previously granted by Auckland Council stands.
The Hanna Block was built in 1936 as part of the boarding facilities at the school. The building now needs earthquake proofing, however the cost of the work has led the school to put forward plans to demolish it.
The building is not scheduled as a heritage building and the council is not aware of any nomination for heritage status ever being made.
Noel Reardon, Auckland Council’s Manager of Heritage, says, “It is sad to see this building being earmarked for demolition. However, if it’s not scheduled, it’s difficult for the council to protect it.”
Mr Reardon added that it is not possible for the council to identify and assess all the possible heritage buildings throughout the region, so it calls for nominations and guidance from the public.
“Auckland Council is absolutely committed to protecting heritage buildings throughout the region,” says Mr Reardon. He added that 9,000 more heritage character buildings could be protected under the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan (PAUP).
The chapel on the grounds of King's College remains a scheduled building and is therefore protected from demolition. It was determined that the demolition of the Hanna Block posed no threat to the value of the chapel.
