Call for ideas for Highfield golf course
A Timaru man who wants to turn part of the former Highfield Golf Course site into an eco-sanctuary says he will be pushing on with his cause, as the public gets the chance to have a say on the site’s future.
Roger Patterson, who first mooted the idea in early 2019, said he had been really ‘‘excited’’ about the public support for it.
‘‘From my perspective, it’s been great, but it’s a long way to go,’’ Patterson said.
‘‘Council has got a lot of work to do on all the options.’’
Councillors voted last year to agree to a plan to reduce the size of the golf course, and council is now consulting with residents about what it should do with the remainder of the land in the reserve.
A drop-in meeting will be held on Friday, January 24 between 4pm and 7pm at the Timaru Town & Country Club – upstairs room (99 Douglas Street, Timaru).
Patterson said he planned to attend the session.
Councillor Sally Parker, who is also chairperson of the infrastructure committee, said there were a ‘‘number of possibilities’’ for the site, and Patterson’s idea of an eco-sanctuary would be considered alongside them.
‘‘It’s all very much in its infancy,’’
Parker said.
Council parks and recreation manager,
Bill Steans and representatives from landscape architects Boffa Miskell Ltd will be on site to talk to people about their ideas, and get feedback on a variety of potential options for the site.
‘‘Public are encouraged to drop in at any time to have chat and share their thoughts on what they might like to see that 16 hectares area used for,’’ Steans said.
‘‘This is the biggest park redevelopment project that we’ve undertaken in some time, and it would be great to get the community really engaged in the process.’’
‘‘We’re asking people to come in with their ideas, or just to see and comment on the potential proposals that have been tabled.