Reserve land at 48 Goodfellow Street in Te Awamutu could be rezoned and sold by Waipā District Council for housing.
But just how much the council would get for the 5506 square metre site is unknown as ownership would transfer to the Crown.
Arthur Patterson Reserve
The Department of Conservation would oversee administering the land and deciding on its disposal.
“There is an element of risk associated with revoking the reserve status of this land,” Property Projects specialist Andrew Don told the council’s Finance and Corporate committee this week.
“The share of net proceeds from sale on disposal of Crown reserve land is determined by Ministerial policy that was introduced in 1999 that determined that losses and revenue from revocation and disposal should be shared equably on a case-by-case basis.”
It is currently recreation reserve – although not used as a reserve – and was historically used for horse grazing but is now mown by the council’s park’s team.
Goodfellow Reserve
It is considered surplus to council’s requirements.
The Crown land was registered in December 1939 as being for “housing purposes” and vested with the council since 1944.
Generally, any proceeds from the sale are split 50/50 between DoC and the council but that is not a given.
“This is potentially a valuable site and even 50 per cent of the net sale proceeds would be a significant amount,” said Don.
Staff recommended revoking the reserve status as the land would be better used for residential development. It had the potential to grow the rates base once developed and relieve the Parks team of its mowing responsibilities.
Arthur Patterson Reserve
Meanwhile council will also obtain a freehold record of title for recreation reserve land in Eden Ave – south of Te Awamutu – known as the Arthur Patterson Reserve.
The 2100 square metre site is another considered surplus to council requirements and difficult to sell because of its pan handled shape.
A developer could potentially develop three or more lots, said Don.
Representatives from both Ngāti Apakura and Ngāti Paretekawa have both asked that their interest in the property is noted.
The land was previously owned by Beazley Properties who undertook a 17-lot subdivision in the 1970s and vested Lot 18 with the then Te Awamutu Borough Council for a recreation reserve.
It has not been used as a reserve and council staff have had to regularly mow it. There are other nearby recreational spaces, he told the committee.
“In staff’s opinion, the land is not being utilised to its highest and best use. Disposing of this land would free up capital for council projects or to reduce debt,” said Don in his report.
Goodfellow Reserve
