Karori Campus site going to private sale

Dreams of a public use for Wellington’s former teachers’ college have died after the Ministry of Education quit mid-battle.

The ministry, which originally passed the title of the Karori land to Victoria University for $10, had been fighting to buy it back under the Public Works Act for a technology hub for local schools.

But it has now given up the fight, effectively ending some community and Wellington City Council hopes it could stay in public hands – though the university says it will still take the public into consideration in its final decision.

Onslow ward councillor Diane Calvert, who had fought for the property to stay in public hands, said tenders for a private sale had closed, meaning the council was unable to now buy on the public market.

The council had bought a small parcel of land to use as parking for the Karori Pool but had been working with the ministry on more public uses.

These included retaining the tennis courts, a technology hub for local schools, and a health hub.

It is understood that retirement village operators are in the running to buy the land, valued at up to $20 million.

Victoria University said it had received ‘‘a number’’ of tenders for the 3.7-hectare site that were being assessed alongside ‘‘community outcomes as well as commercial arrangements’’.

It would look at price offers as well as how the site would be used and the benefit to the Karori and Wellington community.

Education Secretary Iona Holsted said negotiations with the university had ended.

‘‘Unfortunately our offer was substantially less than some of the other offers ... the university is now free to progress to an open market sale.

‘‘We know that this decision will be disappointing for some in the Karori community, but we have worked hard to secure the land for a technology hub and are obliged to consider value for money for the taxpayer.’’