DISCUSSION | Auckland Then + Now

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Originally Posted by Shakespeare_nz

Am I alone in thinking that many of the apartment blocks, particularly in the east of the CBD, look absolutely hideous? In their balcony, boxy kind of, non-descript slummy fashion?

If you want boxy, non desript slummy apartments look no futher than Hobson Street. The Scene apartments are by no stretch of the imagination in the same league. Resale and market values will attest to this. Besides I think some people don't really have a feel for what is happening on the east side of the city and once everything is complete perhaps things will make a lot more sense.

[jarbury]

Originally Posted by Saljen

Totally agree, but Im hopeful with these new regulations the city will improve.. Just a general question, maybe Jarbury would know best, but

if there are more people living in the central city, do their rates go into spending mainly on the cbd area?, or do they just go into spending all over Auckland,.... i.e. does more people living in cbd directly translate into better footpaths, public spaces and general improvements in the cbd,? or not really

I'm pretty sure what happens is that CBD properties pay a targeted rate on top of their normal rates. This targeted rate goes to specific CBD projects (as would a certain amount of general council revenue) while the rest of their rates go into the general pool.

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

The before shot is from the BNZ observation deck. Not clear and not easy to photograph with all the shadows. Its pre Chancery and Metropolis - not sure of the exact date as it is not stated.

[sth_Auk]

Nice find!

[nzman]

Some nice pics indeed

[Nicco]

A picture taken in 1999, showing the construction of 2 of the greatst skyscrapers Auckland has had. Surprising that these buildings went up at the same time

Now all we need is for the Elliott, Saffron, Antipodean, Chancery and BNZ to go up at the same time!

[Nicco]

and the AXA Building is getting refurbished?

[Trades]

and the AXA Building is getting refurbished?

Yep, was working in that building at the time of the refurb. Pretty much every floor in the building was gutted and stripped back. Ernst and Young took alot of the upper floors (and naming rights I think). The remaining floors were mostly taken by either State or NZI (cant remember).

[flyin_higher]

Great find akash! Ah i remember watching thsoe 2 go up, such good times. lol I was 14 then.

[ZEALand]

Oh I remember these going up when I was 13, it was cool.
Used to look at the property section in the newspapers all the time

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Newmarket Apartments

30 March 07




30 November 07

[MonsieurAquilone]

I love how they've progressed.

[Kane007]

One word springs to mind - colossal!

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Some more of the beast.......

26 Dec 2006



8 March 2007

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Cnr Khyber Pass and Broadway (opposite the park)

28 Apr 07




05 May 07




02 Nov 07 (Sounds are presently in there but I don't know for how long)

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Vulcan Lane

30 December 2006




25 Apr 07




07 May 07




11 May 07




10 Aug 07

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Vulcan continued

28 Mar 07




15 December 07

[MonsieurAquilone]

Wow. Now that you see it, old Vulcan Lane looked a dump. I love what they've done to it. Fabulous. I just wish there were more a of a 'foodie-scene' spilling out onto the lane somewhat -- that would look really European. Hope the (I'll use Utopia's term [if I may Utopia ]) anal-retentives don't neglect that way of thinking because it would sure brighten up the city's nature. Again, beautiful photography.

[Svartmetall]

I'm amazed at the difference that a "lick of paint" so to speak has made for Vulcan Lane. Didn't Papa Jack's Voodoo Lounge used to have its home up that street? Perhaps the closure of that particular establishment helped the gentrification slightly as it was a wee bit seedy.

[Milan Luka]

I think I remember a news story about 2 years ago when some businesses in Vulcan Lane got very vocal in opposing the upgrade. To sum it up the thought the street in its bohemian, cracked footpath, chewing gum strewn state was just the image they were going for. That any upgrade would turn it into a Westfield shopping mall. I could see their point but couldnt understand why they wouldnt do it as a general maintenance issue. I now hope those guys have been made to eat their words. The street looks great. Saw a photo of Durham Street on one of these threads and reckon that despite being very narrow it would be perfect for a revamp. Take out the retail and replace with a cluster of great cafes and restaurants. Would compliment the High Street neighbourhood and be a good link between High and Queen.