Catholics in Auckland say plans to build a multi-storey brothel will bring a new ''tacky'' culture to the heart of the city.
The Chow Group from Wellington plan to build a Penthouse Club on Victoria Street where the Aurora Hotel, built in 1885, was demolished last year.
The Chow Group purchased the property across the road from the Sky Tower in 2009.
The hotel was to be rebranded as The Palace and extensively refurbished. However, during the refurbishment, exterior walls developed cracks which led to demolition of the building in November last year.
Waitemata Local Board member Christopher Dempsey says he is concerned about what the proposed new 15-storey building will look like.
The Catholic Church is more concerned about what the building will be used for.
Spokesperson Lyndsay Freer says Catholics are absolutely appalled and it will bring a whole new ''tacky'' culture to the central city.
Lobby group Heart of the City says Aucklanders are rightfully outraged at the building of the new complex.
Spokesperson Alex Swney says the developers have a cavalier attitude towards heritage and have very little regard for the city's history.
The Chow Group has made applied for resource consent, which is being considered by the Auckland Council.
The application falls within guidelines in the district plan and is expected to be granted.
