A legal move has put a halt to the redevelopment of Invercargill’s CBD.
Earlier story:
The Otago Daily Times earlier reported, property manager Gaire Thompson filed an injunction last week in the High Court at Invercargill to halt demolition work on the block bordered by Dee, Tay, Kelvin and Esk Sts, which was scheduled to start on Monday.
The HWCP director confirmed today an interim injunction was granted by the judge and a court hearing was schedule for January 21.
He confirmed the demolition would not start on Monday - the scheduled day - but said his team will work on the site as it have “quite a lot to do”, including removal of asbestos.
Mr Thompson yesterday confirmed the legal action but would not comment further because the matter was before the court.
He said the action was based on concerns from ratepayers.
HWCP director Scott O’Donnell said the injunction was in relation to amendments to the original resource consent which was not publicly notified by council.
Invercargill City Council chief executive Clare Hadley said she was aware of the legal action but said the council decided, on specialist advice, not to publicly notify the amendments.
The project, which has an estimated cost of $160 million, comprises the demolition and construction of a precinct which will include retail, car parking and a food court.
