Future of racecourse discussed
PROPOSALS for a new Cass Square playground and the future development of the former Hokitika Racecourse were discussed by the Westland District Council last week.
Mayor Helen Lash said an opendoor workshop on the playground resulted in a new working group with community representation could move the matter forward.
‘‘It was interesting because we had a split in the room — basically we had the younger ones saying we need a playground, and the older group questioning the value of it.’’
At the same time, the council would investigate further into the scope of what had been looked at by the previous council.
‘‘If we do our homework and check out our options, we might get a few more things in there.’’
However, whatever was decided also needed to be ‘‘practical and serve a purpose’’.
‘‘I do get worried we can lose dollars in doing those impressive projects. We’ve got a wee bit to do, but keep it moving along as quickly as we can.’’
Mrs Lash confirmed the racecourse was also subject to a council workshop earlier in the day.
The workshop was behind closed doors due to commercial aspects of the $3.5 million funding agreement between the council and Kainga
Ora to develop part of the racecourse site for housing.
The funding was announced in November just as the new council was about to be inducted.
‘‘It’s not to keep things hidden,’’ Mrs Lash said.
It emerged last year the previous council had proceeded to bid for the money based on a staff recommendation to undertake preliminary work on the site, including developing underground services for future housing.
Mrs Lash acknowledged there had been a ‘‘whiff of controversy, because information or whatever has not been shared’’.
‘‘We’ve now got right up to speed, and we’re grateful for that. It means we can move on and make more decisions on that — including consultation with the public.’’
The council announced in December 2019 that it had bought the 19.5ha terraced site from the Westland Racing Club for a nominal $1 — after the club failed a safety audit needed to continue operating the racetrack.
This followed the 2018 Messara Review for the New Zealand Racing Board aimed at rationalising courses.