More than 100 homes and buildings across Dunedin are in line for heritage protection as a result of changes to the city’s district plan (the 2GP).
Plan Change 1, which was notified in November 2024, will add 129 properties to the 2GP’s heritage schedule, meaning they will have greater protection from demolition or modification without consent.
Hearing Panel Chair and Independent Commissioner Rob van Voorthuysen says the decisions released today reflect the Panel’s consideration of 77 submissions and 22 presentations made to a public hearing in May 2025.
“As a result of the submissions we received, we’ve removed 17 properties from the original list of 146 properties proposed for protection. We accept that, in some cases, the high cost of maintaining certain buildings, the low public benefit from protecting them, and the fact some buildings have existing approvals for demolition, outweigh the benefits of heritage protection.
“In all other cases, we consider the benefits of protection outweigh the arguments against it, and that the inclusion of these buildings on the 2GP’s heritage schedule is justified.
“This has been an extensive process and we’ve carefully considered all submitters’ views. I want to thank everyone for participating in the process and helping panel members reach the conclusions being announced today.”
The 17 properties which will no longer be added to the schedule include:
- the former Andersons Bay Presbyterian Church at 76 Silverton Street
- the Highgate Presbyterian Church at 580 Highgate
- the Kaikorai Presbyterian Church at 127 Taieri Road
- the Lookout Point Fire Station at 182 and 184 Mornington Road, Kenmure
- the former Holy Cross College at 93 Church Street, Mosgiel
- several privately owned houses.
A further 26 buildings will be included despite submissions to remove them from the schedule, including:
- Kensington Drill Hall at 24 Bridgman Street
- Mobilisation Store and Office and RNZNVR Divisional Headquarters at 211 St Andrew Street
- Dunedin's first state house at 11 Wilkinson Street
- The former Dunedin Hospital Administration Block at 255 Great King Street
- The former Queen Mary Maternity Hospital at 310 Castle Street
- The former Dunedin Hospital Nurses' Home at 490 Cumberland Street
- The University Archway Lecture Theatres
- several privately owned houses
Mr van Voorthuysen says, “We acknowledge some submitters wanted us to go further, either by protecting more buildings or removing more from the proposals, but we think we’ve got the balance right.
“This is about protecting Dunedin’s history while also allowing room for reuse and development that does not threaten the heritage fabric of the city.
“We also acknowledge the DCC’s effort to support building owners financially through the Dunedin Heritage Fund, and encourage the on-going investment in this Fund.”
Submitters can appeal to the Environment Court within 30 working days of today’s decision.
More information, including a copy of the full decision report, can be found at www.dunedin.govt.nz/2gp-plan-change-1