Interest sought in former Tomahawk School site
Dunedin (Thursday, 2 June 2016) – Do you have a bright idea to transform the former Tomahawk School site?
From Saturday, the Dunedin City Council is calling for expressions of interest for the future use of the 1.6ha site at
Ocean Grove. Proposals must be submitted by 4pm on Monday, 18 July.
DCC Recreation Planning and Facilities Manager Jendi Paterson says, “We welcome any ideas for the site and see this as
an exciting opportunity for the community to be involved.”
Otago Peninsula Community Board Deputy Chair Paul Pope is pleased the process is underway.
“It has taken several years to get to this point and now there is the opportunity for the Tomahawk/Ocean Grove community
to engage with the Council through the consultation process.
“The Community Board is very keen for the community to express its various views on what the future of the site should
be. We actively encourage people to get involved.”
In 2010, the school was sold by the Ministry of Education to Ngāi Tahu. The DCC purchased the land and buildings from
Ngāi Tahu in 2012. The site is not suitable for subdivision or resale, but contains a number of buildings that have the
potential for community or commercial use.
The public will be able to go through the former school buildings from 4pm to 6pm on Wednesday, 15 June and 10am to 12
noon on Saturday, 25 June.
Ms Paterson says all proposals have to include:
• how the proposal will affect/enhance the environment
• how the proposal will be funded
• an approximate timeframe for the proposed project to be completed
• the potential benefits for the community and/or the local area
• whether the buildings and facilities will be retained or demolished.
The site is part of the Ocean Grove Reserve. The reserve falls within an urban landscape conservation area in the
District Plan. This means any development will have to take into account the natural landscape qualities and character
of the area.
Once the expressions of interest process has closed, the proposals will be assessed by staff and then presented to the
Community and Environment Committee.
For more details visit www.dunedin.govt.nz/consultation.
ENDS