Goodfellow Street site could better serve the community

A little-used piece of land in Te Awamutu is one step closer to a fresh start, with Council moving ahead with a formal process that could see it better support the community.

The 5506 square metre Goodfellow Street site is currently classified as a recreation reserve but has not recently been used for that purpose and has underlying residential zoning.

At this month’s meeting, Council agreed to continue with steps to revoke the reserve status after considering submissions received during an 18-month process that included giving the community an opportunity to have its say. Mayor Mike Pettit said the decision was about taking a careful and transparent look at whether the land was still serving the community in the best way.

“This is land Council continues to maintain and manage, but it is not being used as a reserve. With another local reserve nearby linked by a pathway, it’s right to ask whether this site could better serve the community while also reducing the need for ongoing upkeep,” Mayor Pettit said.

As part of the wider discussion, councillors also considered whether the site could be better suited to residential development, making good use of land that already sits within a residential area.

Removing the reserve status would not mean the land is immediately sold or developed. If the revocation is approved and implemented, the land would revert to Crown ownership. Council would then apply to the Crown to receive a share of any future sale proceeds, which could support wider community priorities.

“This is about good stewardship, careful decision-making and making sure public assets deliver the best value they can for our communities,” Mayor Pettit added.

A property strategy is also being developed and is expected to be considered before the end of the year. It will help guide good decisions about Council land and assets, and how they can deliver the best value for the community.