Auckland City Council Media release

1 May 2008

Council considers potential new open space

Auckland City Council is assessing the potential purchase or lease of a proposed new public open space on Hobson Street.

The open space is planned as part of the Mission in the City project, a joint redevelopment put forward by the Auckland City Mission and St Matthew's Church for the neighbouring site.

The council's direct involvement in the project will be limited to consideration of the open space.

Chairperson of the Community Services Committee, Councillor Paul Goldsmith, says although planning for the open space is still in the early stages, it has the potential to be an asset for the central city.

"A well-designed quality open space is much needed in this part of the CBD and this presents a great opportunity.

"The open space would be an integral part of the Mission in the City project," says Mr Goldsmith.

The council's potential purchase or lease of the land proposed to be open space is subject to a number of conditions, including confirmed funding for the rest of the project, full street frontage and good access to the open space and safety of the open space for families and other users.

The availability of council budget to purchase, develop and maintain the space is also a factor.

The council has committed up to $100,000 towards further work to establish whether the open space can be provided under these conditions.

ENDS

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