Land sale disappoints – the Gisborne Herald

Posted on September 28, 2021 at 12:29 p.m.

The mayor of GISBORNE, Rehette Stoltz, revealed that councilors were disappointed that the business arm of the district council decided to sell land reserved for housing.

Gisborne Holdings Ltd sold its section of Childers Road land by tender last week, with Mātai Medical Research Institute Trust the successful buyer.

The sale thwarted a developer’s plans to build 100 new homes there.

The land will be used to house a new research campus in medical imaging, medical sciences and biotechnology.

GHL initially decided to subdivide the site into around thirty sections to be offered for sale while retaining part of the two-hectare land for a commercial development that can accommodate doctor’s rooms, a physiotherapist or a dental clinic.

“Gisborne Holdings Limited is a board-controlled business organization that is managed by an independent board of directors and operates at arm’s length from the board,” said Mayor Stoltz.

“While the board is pleased that Mātai has found a home for its new research institute, the advisers were disappointed when they learned of GHL’s intention to sell the entire section of Childers Road, as the board was clearly out of reach. ‘opinion that the site should be developed by GHL, aligned with the council’s strategic intentions, for affordable housing.

“The council will continue to work with housing providers to explore other housing development options. “

GHL declined to comment further yesterday, but GHL chief executive Tracey Johnstone previously told the Herald that the decision to sell was a business decision and included broader considerations for the company, as well as the assurance of effective and efficient use of all GHL resources, including staff and funds.

All distributions generated by GHL go to the board for reinvestment in the local community.

Kāinga Ora confirmed that he was interested in the site.

Auckland-based developer ICONIQ Group has confirmed that it has issued a tender.

“We had sincere good intentions for this site, so we are very disappointed to miss it,” said General Manager Todd Scrafton. “Our goal was to build between 80 and 100 affordable housing units, a mix of Kāinga Ora and free market.

“We also narrowly missed the game, which is frustrating. It was very close.

Mr Scrafton said the company has two developments underway at Gisborne, with “a few more” still in the design phase.

The company also has offices on Ormond Road with a team of five local executives.

“We have already delivered 10 new houses for Kāinga Ora and many more will follow,” said Mr Scrafton.

Regional cross-sector leadership group Manaaki Tairāwhiti, which has been tasked with investigating housing issues here, said the sale of Childers Road was a matter between a willing seller and buyer.

“That being said, it seems a shame that such a central location could not have been used for housing,” said Judy Campbell, strategic advisor to Manaaki Tairāwhiti.

“The waiting list for public housing at MSD (Ministry of Social Development) has decreased slightly and currently stands at 558 – that’s whānau on the list, not individuals – however, this is a dated quarterly report. June before the latest Covid lockdowns.

“However, the region has responded to the housing crisis and considerable practical efforts are underway to address it.

“The private market is responding by creating sections for sale and various other smaller developments.

“Unfortunately, this is because the value of the sections has increased to the point where it is financially attractive for the developer to sell them. It’s good for the developer, but harder for those who buy them.

Ms Campbell said there was considerable construction underway near Kāinga Ora, some completed (on Dennis and Oxford streets), under construction (Munro and Stout streets) and notified for consent (Mill Road / Gladstone Road).

There is also a considerable pipeline of housing projects from Kāinga Ora. This includes purchasing developments from private developers.

“Iwi has also started a substantial construction effort, with the first of many homes becoming available, such as the recently profiled one in Waihirere.

“The four local iwi (Ngati Porou, Rongowhakaata, Ngai Tāmanuhiri and Te Aitanga a Māhaki) are working together to have a substantial and lasting impact on housing.

“They are very focused and innovative in their efforts and aim for affordable housing to create intergenerational equity rather than a rental life.

“The combined efforts of everyone involved in the housing are only just beginning to show with the homes completed, but the wave of planning – including design and consent rather than just visions – gives me confidence that we’re on. the right way to help eliminate the problem. . “

The real problem was the time it took to reach a resolution, which meant people were staying in motels and other forms of poor or precarious housing for too long, and the increased need.

With New Zealand’s borders closed, the population would not increase, she said.

“Once New Zealand reopens, we need to make sure that we have created the capacities and capacities to deal with the rapid reduction of the housing need backlog while dealing with any further growth. “

WHAT COULD BE: Rendered for apartments similar to those planned at Childers Rd by ICONIQ.