Council to sell surplus properties

Council CEO John Freeman has confirmed land sales.

The Central Hawke's Bay District Council is selling seven properties that are surplus to requirements.

The bare land, from Kairakau to Takapau and Ongaonga, are redundant holding paddocks, retired gravel reserves, a grazed woodlot and sections. Sizes range from a 814sq m Makaretu rural section to a .87ha paddock 7km from Waipawa.

Council chief executive officer John Freeman said the properties served no community or council purpose and did not qualify as investment assets "as they provide very modest or no return".

"Council consulted the Central Hawke's Bay community as part of our 2012/22 Long Term Plan process before confirming a decision to dispose of some properties," he said.

"Council's view is the properties would better serve the community in private hands for possibly house building and as rateable land."

Property consultant Turley & Co is assisting the council with the disposal. Director Pat Turley said with the council valuation for all seven properties just $92,500 a sale-by-tender process was the best way to determine their true value.

PGG Wrightson project manager Max Lyver said with the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme gaining traction the sections could prove to be a strategic investment in the future of Central Hawke's Bay "so prospective purchasers may consider buying one lot or the entire portfolio" .

Marketing will launch on August 4 and the public tender will close on September 24.