PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSONA suburban cafe proposed for a historic Dunedin corner store has passed its first test after being decried by a neighbour as a magnet for anti-social behaviour. "The proposed cafe will provide an amenity accessible to the local community in an area that is not particularly well served for shops or cafes." Addressing Ms Baldwin’s concerns about anti-social behaviour, Ms O’Dea said the cafe would be oriented towards Russell St, where it was sunniest. When it came to odours, these were "inherently subjective and vary depending on individual sensitivity, frequency and duration of exposure", Ms O’Dea said. "The proposed use as a cafe enhances the heritage streetscape character by restoring an active community function to the building and City Rise.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 16, 2026 17:40 UTC