Tenders called for land bordering the new taupo highway and sh5

Now that the ETA is finished, Council is calling for tenders on a high profile site on Crown Rd, but wants to ensure the maximum benefit for the district

A key task for Council is to now sell or lease the land, which it purchased to ensure that the ETA was built, in order to reduce and service debt. The subject piece of land is known as Lot 5 and Council is hoping for some impressive proposals as an earlier expression of interest exercise had identified that initial expressions of interest indicate there are people out there very keen to develop their ideas.

Mayor Rick Cooper says Lot 5 is a very strategic piece of land at a special gateway to the township and any potential buyer will also need to prove to Council that future use will not only provide funds for paying off debt, but will also serve the community well into the future.

He says, “we asked for expressions of interest on potential sale of this Lot and have had strong interest.  We now need to take the process to the next level where people can tender and provide concepts and plans for the Councils consideration.” 

Mayor Cooper says it is critical to consider the potential social and economic benefits of any sale in addition to monetary gain. 

Councillors agreed that although price was a major consideration, particularly in a sluggish market, they also wanted to be sure they were doing the right thing and the tender process is a way of achieving this.

Mayor Cooper agreed reemphasising his initial stance that, “we need to undertake this process openly and transparently - not behind closed doors.”

Tenders will close on 13 January and will be considered using the a Quality Price methodology which weights any proposals against key criteria set within the tender document and therefore considers price against other potential outcomes.