Pub faces uncertain future

A Wainuiomata pub’s golden jubilee might not be at its current address as developers eye the site in a booming property market.

Resource consent for a 30-unit development was granted by Hutt City Council on the 10,586-square metre site on The Strand where the Fitzroy Tavern – pictured – has stood since 1970.

Bar owner Hayden Wilby said he was not aware of any development plans having been finalised; however, the strong property market meant the pub would likely have to move.

‘‘I am confident [development of the site] will happen so we will have to find somewhere else [eventually]. That could be a year away or it could be 10 years away.’’

The Fitzroy was a community hub, regularly hosting functions and lots of weekly events, he said. The property also houses the Wainuiomata Darts Association, a bottle store, restaurant and takeaway.

The consent application was made by

Urban Edge Planning on behalf of Bharat Dayal, of Hutt Park Development Ltd.

The plans show a mix of single and twostorey semi-detached buildings containing a mix of three and four-bedroom dwellings.

Wainuiomata, like the rest of the Hutt Valley, has experienced high demand for houses.

Professionals real estate agent John Ross said demand for housing in Wainuiomata was unprecedented. ‘‘It still represents some of the best value in the Wellington region.’’

The Parkway Rise development, near the pub, recently sold the last of its 69 stage one lots off the plans, he said, and it wasn’t uncommon to get more than a dozen offers on homes for sale.

Hutt City Mayor and Wainuiomata local Campbell Barry said the pub was an asset to the community. Despite the need for housing, it was important to have places like the Fitzroy to serve residents, he said.