NEWS RELEASE
from Hutt City Council

18 December 2003

COUNCIL REJECTS KOROHIWA TENDERS

After considering a report from the Korohiwa Steering Group, Hutt City Council resolved at its meeting this week not to accept any of the three final tenders for the development of the land, said Mayor Terris.

"Our objective was to generate an acceptable return to ratepayers while giving the community a say in ensuring the development complemented the unique characteristics of this site," said Mayor Terris.

"We were prepared to trade off some return for including some community involvement in the final nature of the development.

"We thought the best way to achieve this was to enter into some sort of joint venture arrangement with the developers.

"In the end the poor financial return to Council made it impossible to proceed and, instead officers have been instructed to look at proposals to subdivide the land and sell the sections individually, which could include suitable covenants on the title to guide the type and quality of future residential developments.

"It is the Council's wish to continue to work closely with local people to meet the criteria set for the development, which include not only a good financial return but also continuing public access to the area and appropriate environmental enhancements," said Mayor Terris.

The sale process started with a Request for Proposals generating 12 submissions, which was reduced to three final bidders in November.

These three binding offers were evaluated by the Korohiwa Bay Steering Group and their advisors with the Steering Group then making a recommendation to Council.

ENDS

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