22 May 2014
Council to expand historic Kennedy Park
Auckland Council has purchased a piece of land neighbouring historic Kennedy Park in Castor Bay.
The purchase of 139 Beach Road will allow the council to expand the park and create more public space for residents to
enjoy.
Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Chairperson Mike Cohen says the purchase will create additional public space in Kennedy
Park as well as adding to the park’s significant heritage value.
“This purchase is extremely important for the Castor Bay community and in particular the Kennedy Park WWII Trust, which
has advocated strongly for the council to buy the property for a number of years,” he says.
“It is an exciting opportunity to expand our existing public space and we look forward to working with the community to
make the most of this important asset.
“The property also includes a heritage listed building which is the last of a row of houses that formed part of a
coastal defence artillery and camp built during World War Two,” Mr Cohen says.
Auckland Councillor Chris Darby says the property rated highly against the council’s land acquisition criteria because
of its ability to improve Kennedy Park.
“This is an important purchase for the council, resulting from successful negotiations with Housing New Zealand. The
park is an integral part of Auckland’s coastal fortification network and we are now in a position to preserve and
enhance its significant heritage value.”
ENDS