Elliott Tower

Spearheading the Resource Consent process for the project known as the Elliott Tower (located in Elliott Street on the old bungy jump site, Auckland CBD). Resource Consent for this proposed NZ$800M project was finally obtained in October 2008 for a 7 year term, and has been through several further extension processes. Obtaining the resource consent took 4 years and cost several million dollars. At the time, it was the largest ever proposed high rise in New Zealand. Marcus acted as quarterback for the team of 20 or so consultants.

Queen City Law was intricately involved in the appointment and co-ordination of the team which comprised New Zealand’s leading architects (Mollers), planners (Barker & Associates), urban designers (Transurban), construction representatives (Brookfield Multiplex), traffic engineers (Connell Wagner and Traffic Planning Consultants Limited), communications experts (Kordia), RMA Barrister Russell Bartlett KC, and others.

The project is a 42 month construction programme comprising 67 levels and represents  100,000m2. It includes 4 levels of trees. Development of the site would have a major impact on property values in Auckland’s CBD, particularly south of Victoria Street and in many ways will anchor this area.

The developer who funded the initial resource consent process had a change in circumstances, culminating in QCL assisting with a disposal of the site to a Sino-based entity.

QCL has provided legal assistance on a wide range of issues including planning, construction, car park leasing, funding, stakeholder based issues including media liaison, and a plethora of other matters for two decades.

Marcus co-presented a paper with Dan Ashby on Collaborative Development (construction) which is available here: https://queen-city-law.cdn.prismic.io/queen-city-law/65e140a727237c2bb829b171_ElliottTower.pdf

The images therein include Gordon Moller Architect’s predictions on the transformation of Auckland city’s skyline. This was used to influence the urban design panel and was remarkably accurate.

The Beatles stayed in the former hotel on the site in the 70s. One day we think the site will host a world class high rise development and we hope to continue to be intricately involved in the project which may see Tamaki Makaurau come of age.

Construction of the adjacent $5.4 billion City Rail Link is expected to be completed in 2025.

Any queries should be directed to marcus@queencitylaw.co.nz