Tauranga city council says it's looking for ideas over what to do with the 28ha Smith's Farm, a property alongside the toll road that is now surplus to requirements.
The council originally bought the land for future sports fields, but no longer needs it.
A long-term supply and demand analysis undertaken for sports fields across Tauranga concluded that the site is surplus to future sports field needs. It's too close to the new sports fields development at Parau Farms in Bethlehem.
The council is leaning towards some kind of residential development. It won't consider industrial or commercial development options. Industrial development is not considered suitable in the residential area off Westridge Drive, and it's too close to Bethlehem town Centre and the developing Tauriko centre for a commercial development.
Homeowners, residents and businesses in the vicinity of Smiths Farm were sent a letter tis week letting them know that council staff have started looking into the feasibility of lifestyle block subdivision and suburban residential development options. Targeted engagement is also underway with other stakeholders, including Tangata Whenua.
While currently zoned for a lifestyle block subdivision, the land is undeveloped and leased for grazing. It's not open to public access.
The potential sale or development of the site was consulted on as part of the draft 2015-2025 Long Term Plan. Submitters expressed mixed views, some supporting the sale of the land and others wishing to retain green space.
No decisions have been made in respect of a preferred development option. A report including results of feasibility studies is due to be presented to Council in September/October. The detailed options will form the basis of consultation with residents and businesses in the surrounding area, and with the wider community.
Tauranga population and urban growth is forecast to continue for the next 20 years and beyond, creating the need for the council to consider whether sites on the urban fringe like Smiths Farm are suitable for housing development.
Development options include: Lifestyle block subdivision, which would look similar to the neighbouring Westridge subdivision, with lot sizes greater than 3,000m2 and averaging 4,000m2. This would be consistent with the site's current zoning.
Suburban residential development: similar to the subdivisions seen in areas like Bethlehem and The Lakes, including social infrastructure like neighbourhood reserves, playgrounds and cycling/walking paths. For zoning purposes this option will require either the establishment of a Special Housing Area under the Tauranga Housing Accord, or rezoning through the Resource Management Act or a Resource Consent process under the operative Tauranga City Plan.
More information is available on www.tauranga.govt.nz/projects/smiths-farm-land-review
11 comments
Release it for housing
Posted on 22-08-2015 13:50 | By Towball
Here is another classic example of the city council obtaining what it thinks will be an asset , but now a white elephant. If you have to consult IWI then turn it into affordable housing for them as well as loads of other people to get into their own first affordable home. DON'T allow a developer like Classic Homes as the price will go far beyond what is first announced . Perhaps Council could manage this one on their own & promote it to the correct persons, excluding investors. Give a little back to the people who keep you in a job & develop a little bit of a positive return for future years . Or would this be to simple ?. Could even give a return on the toll road.
Sell this and purchase NZTA Lands Tara road Papamoa.
Posted on 22-08-2015 13:50 | By Watcher 1
With the rapid development in the Papamoa area,there is the shortly going to be never to be missed opportunity for Council or the Education Authority to purchase the current NZTA/Fulton Hogan/Heb site on Doncaster Drive very handy to Papamoa College for either College Building extentions or future Sports fields. Miss this opportunity now means could could go to Iwi for Treaty Settlements so, Members of Parliament and Councillors please act now.
Sell to the highest bidder
Posted on 22-08-2015 14:14 | By Annalist
Then use the money to repay debt. The obvious solution.
FLOOD PRONE
Posted on 22-08-2015 21:44 | By The Caveman
Having lived in that "valley" from the early 60's to the late 70's, I can tell you that the whole valley floor is flood prone. If the council sells it off for housing it needs to be on the basis of NO responsibility for flooding. Its like a lot of other low lying areas around the city, if the buyers today knew what the WATER problems were 30-40 years ago they would never touch the sections/houses. OH and before anyone says we have fix the water problems, yeah right ! Just wait for that once if 100 year flood . that now seem to happen every 20-30 years.
Rural residential but ...
Posted on 22-08-2015 23:20 | By Murray.Guy
Rural residential as per the zoning is likely the only option. The City Council chose NOT to provide access direct to Route K (due to it being a tolled road) despite being adjacent, restricting access through Westridge. Early 2000 there were plans to facilitate a Maori cultural/tourism facility which stirred my interest, couple with breathing life back in to an existing Pa site opposite. Had huge potential as our region has no such facility. Locals were far from impressed with the sports field option due perceived traffic impact on the Westridge occupants, this being the more likely reason behind a sale as there is NEVER enough local sports fields and green space in an ever intensifying city. Best option for the city would be res A and hook in to the Southern Pipeline.
sell
Posted on 23-08-2015 08:35 | By Capt_Kaveman
highest bidder and the funds go straight on debt
Agree
Posted on 23-08-2015 08:40 | By Tyraone
I agree with Annalist sell the property to the highest bidder. Never mind about more housing enough now!!!
Pensioner Housing
Posted on 23-08-2015 11:27 | By The author of this comment has been removed.
Council could perhaps use the unwanted land to create much needed pensioner homes. Not every older person can afford to go to the "retirement village". This would be a great way to give back to the person that has tirelessly paid their rates to TCC over the years. Any thoughts?
Re-pay debt?
Posted on 23-08-2015 12:07 | By SonnyJim
Council use land sale profit to pay off debt? Far too radical. Never happen. All we can do is watch as it gets frittered away.
Reduce the TCC Debt
Posted on 26-08-2015 12:55 | By carpedeum
Totally agree Annalist- surely its a NO BRAINER -same as the money received from the Gvt around the Route K .....get the balance of sensible mangageble debt ( used for ongoing infrastructure etc) with the historic poor judgement debt acrued by previous councillors BACK ON TRACK - always PAY DEBT DOWN where possible -surely a basic.
Re-pay debt
Posted on 27-08-2015 11:02 | By Roadkill
Definitely, be interesting to know what they paid for it and how much will be lost as a result.
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