A bold plan to transform the hills above Mission Estate on Napier's outskirts into a sprawling subdivision, with lifestyle blocks, and rural properties will go before Napier City Council next week.
Plans to develop the land near Greenmeadows have been around since the 1980s, but gained traction last year. Now, a proposal to establish a 'Mission Special Character Zone' through a private plan change will be presented at a council meeting on Wednesday.
The proposed zone would occupy the 289ha of land owned by Marist Holdings Ltd, which currently holds the renowned Mission Estate winery, a concert venue, as well as activities including farming, forestry, olive growing, and bee keeping.
As well as enhancing the tourism attraction of the existing historic facilities, the plan would transform the hilltop area into several distinct areas which would be used for housing, lifestyle blocks, and rural activities.
Napier Mayor Bill Dalton said the council was working closely with Marist Holdings to ensure the project recognised the renowned status of the area.