No graves affected in Waiapu Precinct redevelopment2 min read
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Social media has been abuzz with concerns over planned construction at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Gerrard Beeson Place, with some fearing the project could disturb historical graves.
However, Eke Panuku, the agency leading the Waiapu Precinct regeneration programme, has assured the public that thorough planning has been undertaken to prevent any such impact.
Eke Panuku Media Manager, Lisa Franklin, says, “precautionary ground surveys, including x-rays, were conducted as part of the planning process, and we can confirm that no graves or other historical elements are located beneath the ground in this area.”
Auckland Council intends to secure a small portion of land on Gerrard Beeson Place to enable the extension of the footpath next to St Peter’s Anglican Church, connecting it to a new pedestrian route within the precinct. Mana Whenua and St Peter’s Anglican Church have been in discussions with Eke Panuku since early 2023, as part of the church’s land sits on council-owned property.
Lisa says that a section of the church’s northern lawn extends beyond its legal boundary into the road reserve, which will be realigned as part of the redevelopment.
“The church has been aware of this for some time and know that their lawn is encroaching on the legal roadway, which is required for the road realignment.”
Discussions are still ongoing regarding the easement over a strip of church land adjacent to the road reserve, where a footpath extension has been proposed.
“The footpath is not a requirement of our redevelopment, but we are consulting with the church as it would improve access to the church and connect a pedestrian link from their laneway to Onehunga Mall. No agreement has been reached and those conversations are continuing,” says Lisa.
If the church agrees, the footpath would be constructed alongside the council-owned road but on church land, with an easement allowing for its use. This work would coincide with the road redevelopment, though no timeline has been set.
