Karori campus home on market
A Wellington family is testing the market to decide whether it will claim back a property on Victoria University’s Karori Campus.
Re/Max Synrg listed the twostorey house at 27 Campbell Street on March 17, calling on expressions of interest. It was the first public listing related to the sale of the campus.
But the family advertising the house is still deciding whether to buy back the property under the Public Works Act.
The Karori education campus has been embroiled in controversy after the university’s announcement in August that it intends to sell the site that was transferred to it by the Ministry of Education for $10 in 2014.
The original owners, the Taylor family, were offered first right of refusal on the property by the university, as required under the Public Works Act.
A Victoria University spokeswoman said the act came into force when the campus was declared surplus.
‘‘The act requires land that is surplus to requirements to be offered back to the original owner or their successor unless it is required for an alternative public work or if certain specified exemptions apply. The property at 27 Campbell Street is subject to this offer-back provision.’’
The property is one of five on the campus that has been offered back to the original owners, she said. The offers are valid for 40 working days.
The details of the offer are confidential. But, in general, the act requires that land be offered back at the current market rate.
Re/Max sales consultant John Duncan said the Taylor family was seeking expressions of interest in order to decide whether to buy the property.
‘‘There is expense with the sale of any property, but this one is a bit complicated.’’
The expressions of interest had been strong, and although specific offers were confidential, ‘‘the question is whether it is a six or a seven figure’’, Duncan said.
Wellington city councillor Andy Foster said the council was indicating the campus land it is interested in, and for what purpose, under the same act.
‘‘Because the university is selling land acquired under the Public Works Act, they have to go through the original owners. They are currently [doing that] - some they don’t have to, and some they do.’’