in bricks and mortar and decades Kennedy Park advice slated

Auckland Council community facilities staff who suggested sealing off the old military tunnels and demolishing Kennedy Park’s barracks have been told by Heritage New Zealand and council’s own heritage team they would oppose this.

Options for the neglected heritage-listed World War II era fortifications in Castor Bay were to be discussed again at a local board workshop as the Observer went to print. “It does appear that decommissioning and / or demolishing are not being recommended, so we’re relieved about that,” said Castor Bay Ratepayers and Residents Association chair Hamish Anderson. But getting a commitment from the council for restoration and ongoing maintenance remained a priority. Indications were it would likely take several months before a plan was decided, he said. A petition the association launched with the Kennedy Park WWII Installations Preservations Trust to save the fortifications has been signed by more than 1200 people since early June, when this paper revealed the threat to the site.

Auckland Civic Trust and Devonport Heritage have also written to the board about their concern as advice from council staff to it suggested demolition of the barracks at 139 Beach Rd was an option and omitted outlining the building’s heritage status. Heritage grants should be explored, they said.