January 2024 update
The Council is continuing to work on a new tender process for the site, which is expected to commence in the next two months.
In the meantime, we’ve issued a temporary licence to a local business to use the empty site for community pop-up activities.
Information about upcoming events at the space will be listed on the Foxtail Events Facebook page.
September 2023 update
In December 2021, the Council announced that Voxell Group and Faisandier Group had been selected as the successful candidate to redevelop the St John’s Church site.
The dynamics of the residential housing market have changed materially since then, with construction costs increasing significantly and interest rates rising. Along with the design constraints specified in the contract, these challenges have rendered it unfeasible for the developer to continue with the design presented in the Request for Proposals (RFP) process. Due to the Council’s RFP and procurement processes for this project, the Council cannot allow substantial changes to the design without unfairly disadvantaging other RFP applicants. Consequently, unable to adapt the current contract to the prevailing challenges, the Council has decided to terminate the agreement.
Council officers are investigating future opportunities for the site, including a new tender process inviting ideas from developers. Council officers will also work with the Karori community to enable a temporary use of the site. Council is committed to achieving an outcome for the site that will enliven the Karori Town Centre and include affordable housing options.
Background to the development
This site was purchased by the Council in 2000 as part of the Karori Town Centre redevelopment project. We then purchased an adjoining property (6 Campbell Street) in 2017 to make the development offer more attractive and consulted with residents on how they wanted the space to be used. A commercial development at least on the ground floor was decided on as the best way to invigorate the area.
In late 2019 the Council went to market through a second Request for Proposal (RFP) process to select a development partner for the site.
On 16 December 2021 the Council announced that Voxell Architecture and Faisandier Group was selected as the successful candidate.