KEY POINTS:
The former Hobsonville Airbase's bomb storage area could become a new regional park, offering ferry-riding picnickers views down the Waitemata Harbour and of super yachts being launched from nearby yards.
Waitakere City Council yesterday decided to approach the Auckland Regional Council to consider becoming involved in a move to secure the 10ha Bomb Pt as a regional park.
The owner, a Housing New Zealand subsidiary which aims for a staggered development on 111ha of the old base, has welcomed the idea, said Waitakere Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse.
"We need to tell the ARC that this is of regional park status.
"It will be a stunning park which people can come to on ferries from downtown Auckland.
"They could wander a 4.5km coastal walkway, including the park, from a Westie version of the Viaduct Harbour - down where the old flying boats were launched.
"It has a gorgeous view ... one of the nicest. You get to see the city and harbour from a different viewing point."
Mrs Hulse said she could not rule out a joint effort where the councils and perhaps a charitable trust chipped in for the land purchase and the ARC ran it as part of its parks network.
Recent joint ventures have secured for the public significant properties such as the Chelsea Park Estate on the North Shore, Kaikoura Island in the Hauraki Gulf, Otuataua Stonefields in Manukau and Te Rau Puriri on the Kaipara Harbour. ARC Parks chairwoman Sandra Coney was cautious.
She said the regional council was aware of the rural headland south of the marine industry area.
"We have a bit of a list of properties we are investigating at the moment and we have not even gone as far as a site visit yet.
"The question would be whether it is a local or regional park."
Waitakere council considers Bomb Pt is bigger than what is required for locals and expensive to maintain.
Military aircraft stopped using the 1930s-vintage base six years ago after the Government announced it was surplus to defence needs.
As well as land for future schools, sports fields and industry, some was set aside for "state housing purposes" which the Hobsonville Land Co intends to develop over 10 to 15 years.
Company spokesman Tom Bridgman said it welcomed the council's move to begin a process to secure "a major destination" park.
He said it would also serve the people of the future Hobsonville community within the development which could be 8000-9000 residents.
A development plan for the first stage - a 30ha, 600-house precinct in the base's western sector - includes state rental and affordable housing. It is about to be lodged with the city council for public comment.
Bomb Pt is set aside as a special area in the firm's masterplan as not required for housing in the short term.
If it remains green open space, it will serve as a buffer between marine factories and residential areas.
