The Hastings District Council is proposing to protect the Tomoana Showgrounds for future shows and other current and similar future uses by having the property constituted as reserve land and managed by a trust.
The plans are revealed in a report for a council meeting which on Thursday will decide whether to approve a conditional agreement to purchase about 40 hectares of the grounds from the Hawke's Bay A and P Society, subject to a decision of a society Special General Meeting next Monday.
The society proposes to subdivide and retain the remaining 2.7ha on the northeastern profile, cornered by Karamu and Elwood roads.
The council has previously reported overwhelming public consultation support for its $7.5 million purchase, which has emerged out of society concerns for its financial future amid the financial crises of the pandemic, and the possibility that any other sale could lead to the showgrounds disappearing into residential development.
The consultation drew 1240 responses, with more than 91 per cent support, the majority of opposition relating to concerns over the possible financial impact on the council and ratepayers.