Bay movie hub’s fate in balance

• Author: Gary Hamilton-Irvine
• Published date: 28 September 2022
• Publication title: Hastings Leader, The

The proposed facility would be known as Parkhill Studios and be built on a secluded 24ha site near Te Awanga — boasting five buildings and the capacity for more than 400 people to be on site during filming

It would also be located close to The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, which could offer luxury accommodation to film, TV and streaming service stars.

A hearing date has now been set for October 10, where locals who submitted on the resource consent application can voice their concern or support for the project.

An independent commissioner will hear and consider those submissions, then make a decision at a later date on whether to approve or decline the resource consent.

The Hastings District Council says there are no timeframes around how soon a decision needs to be made after the hearing concludes.

The council released the detailed plans for the project to a small number of nearby residents and businesses during June to make a submission.

Ten submissions were received by the council, including three supporting the project, six against, and one unclear.

The main objections raised were about traffic noise, increased traffic along Parkhill Rd (with a new entry road to be built off that existing road) and the surrounding area, road quality and road safety, as well as concerns about nearby forestry activity conflicting with filming activity.

Those who supported the plan stated it “looks incredibly exciting” and “would have huge benefits” for Hawke’s Bay, including boosting the arts scene in the region.

Number 8 Studios Ltd, based in Auckland, is the applicant behind the proposal.

The company wants to build two studio buildings, a construction workshop, production building, catering café, large carpark...