The Archway Lecture Theatres are expected to be demolished after the University of Otago appealed to the Environment Court to overturn heritage protection granted by the Dunedin City Council through the district plan.
University of Auckland architecture professor Julia Gatley said she was disappointed the theatres would not receive protection.
‘‘And demolition to make way for open space? What a waste.’’
The university has maintained the theatres do not meet heritage protection criteria, are surplus to future needs and that their removal has been considered since 2010 — possibly to be replaced with a formal garden space intended to enhance nearby Gothic buildings.
Prof Gatley said demolition of the sculptural theatres ‘‘smacks in the face’’ of a growing international movement to ‘‘never demolish’’, and rather adapt buildings with and for users.
Otago University’s appeal was resolved following mediation with the council late last year.
In a Environment Court consent order released last month, the organisations concluded removing heritage protection from the theatres was the ‘‘most appropriate’’ option, although they still disputed the building’s heritage value.
Prof Gatley said she was also disappointed the decision was reached through mediation, as those who submitted in favour of protection for the building, such as her, were not given the opportunity to speak to their submission.
She submitted in her role as chairwoman of heritage advocacy group Docomomo New Zealand.
The university has said demolition of the theatres is expected ‘‘over the next couple of years’’.
