|
|
Duke & Cooke Property News |
|
Published on: 29th November 2008 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT EARNS PRAISE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT EARNS PRAISEThe Galeo Estate subdivision near Richmond is living up to its name, with two accolades both noting the example it sets for sustainable development in the region. The name Galeo is an acronym for Genuine Answer to Land and Environment Optimisation. Developer Wayne Vollmer said his team had a strong vision for the 29-section Maisey Rd subdivision from its inception. Now, the New Zealand Institute of Surveyors and the Tasman District Council’s Environment Awards have both applauded the work of those involved in the project. Nelson resource management specialist Staig and Smith and its former staff member Lisa Gibellini received an award of excellence from the institute for producing “a very successful and sustainable subdivision development”. “This subdivision has provided an attractive form of environmentally appropriate development which is sensitive to the coastal environment, rural character and sustainable management of the site and environs,” the award stated. (The Nelson Mail, Tuesday 25 November 2008) NEW TRUST PUTS SUTER WORK BACK ON AGENDARedevelopment of the Suter art gallery is back on the agenda but has been scaled back from an earlier controversial model. The recently-formed Bishop Suter Trust has taken over running the Bridge St public art gallery, meaning it is now under Nelson City Council control, and trust members have confirmed another push for the previously shelved project. United States benefactor Glenn Schaeffer was part of a $1 million start-up pledge and offered a further $6.25 million over 20 years. However, his offer expired when the councils, particularly Tasman, failed to act in time. Although the offer had expired, Ms Evans hoped Mr Schaeffer would now consider some sort of donation. (The Nelson Mail, Wednesday 26 November 2008) MORE CONCERNS RAISED OVER BEACH MOVEMENTThe shifting sands of Tahunanui Beach have city councillors scratching their head again. They decided last week to enforce a “managed retreat” plan for erosion, with particular enphasis on the western beach, or Back Beach, by the Blind Channel. Three years ago, the Nelson City Council spent almost $3 million on erosion prevention works at the Rocks Rd end of the beach. It has now decided to take action to spend what could be millions of dollars on harnessing the tide, if it reaches the roller skating rink tucked behind the beach. In the meantime, the council plans to adapt to natural forces as much as possible. (The Nelson Mail, Wednesday 26 November 2008) SPORTS STADIUM RUNNING TO SCHEDULEThe greatly anticipated Saxton Field Sports Stadium is rapidly taking shape. Construction of the $12.5 million multisport indoor stadium started in May and, despite a few soggy days, was well on track to be finished by the end of September next year, project manager Colin Anderson said. About 40 tradespeople were working on the building, a number that would double once plumbers and electricians arrived. The stadium is being built by project and construction management company Arrow International, which recently completed the Murchison sport, recreation and community centre. The Saxton stadium was the biggest project the company has undertaken in Nelson, Mr Anderson said. (The Nelson Mail, Thursday 27 November 2008) CITY VISION MAY GO PUBLIC SOONA decision was to be made today on whether to release to the public a document that offers scope for far-reaching change to Nelson’s inner city. The city council arranged a special meeting today to accept the draft central city strategy, branded Heart of Nelson, and to decide whether to release it now for public comment. The $150,000 study, commissioned by the city council, takes a holistic view of development over the next 20 years, with the aim of managing growth. (The Nelson Mail, Thursday 27 November 2008) RENOVATORS WANTED FOR PROJECTResearch organisation Beacon Pathway, in conjunction with EnergySmart, is looking for 80 home owners in the Nelson-Marlborough region who are planning to renovate between now and mid-2009, to take part in the HomeSmart Renovation project. The project is a large-scale demonstration and research venture with the goal of retrofitting up to 1000 New Zealand homes and setting performance benchmarks to measure a sustainable home. HomeSmart project manager Lois Easton said EnergySmart assessors would review all aspects of the home’s performance, including energy, water, waste and the living environment, and draw up a tailored renovation plan. Owners would have to fund the renovations themselves or with assistance from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s interest-free loans, she said. To register interest, visit www.beaconpathway.co.nz (The Nelson Mail, Thursday 27 November 2008) TRUST OUT TO SECURE FUTURE FOR MT ROBERT SKI LODGEA charitable trust hopes to buy the ski lodge buildings on Mt Robert Skifield to ensure that they remain for future generations to use. Nelson lawyer Nick Moore said a trust had been formed, called the Mt Robert Foundation, which had reached an agreement with the Mt Robert Snowsport Club to buy the old lodges. However, the transaction was dependent on whether the foundation got permission from the Department of Conservation to use the buildings, which are in Nelson Lakes National Park. The rope tow at the field was removed in 2005 but the 1950s Mt Robert Lodge, which has 36 bunks, and the 1960s Christie Lodge, with 38 bunks, remain in the basin. DOC is asking for public submissions on the foundation’s concession application by February 6. (The Nelson Mail, Thursday 27 November 2008) LOTTERIES GRANT MEANS FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR CENTREMotueka’s recreation centre is to undergo a $1.55 million upgrade in coming months after being awarded a substantial grant from the New Zealand Lotteries Commision. Centre manager Brent Maru has been advised that a $750,000 grant from the Lotteries Commission’s lottery community facilities fund has been approved for the upgrade. The centre, situated on Motueka’s Old Wharf Rd and built 21 years ago, had already been allocated $800,000 in the Tasman District Council’s 2008-09 annual plan for the revamp. The gymnasium is set to double in size and will include two consulting rooms and $100,000 worth of new equipment. The existing toilet block, a “horrible” area according to Mr Maru, will be refurbished, with two new changing areas added. These will be accessible from outside and from the gymnasium. The existing sports hall will remain untouched. (The Nelson Mail, Friday 28 November 2008) CITY STRATEGY ON THE WAYNelson city’s guiding document for development will be released to the public on December 5. The Nelson City Council yesterday agreed to release the draft central city strategy, branded Heart of Nelson, to receive public comments up to February 3 next year. The $150,000 study, commissioned by the council, takes a holistic view of development over the next 20 years, with the aim of managing growth. Some councillors criticised the consultation process, which will involve wide community input but will not feature a public hearing. Other felt it had so far been a successful model that had depoliticised the process and was likely to set a precedent for future public processes. (The Nelson Mail, Friday 28 November 2008) LANDLORDS URGED TO SHOW SOME LENIENCYLandlords are being urged by their national body to show more compassion as the recession starts to bite, although the problem of tenants not paying their rent does not appear to be as bad in Nelson as in the rest of the country. Nelson Property Investors Association spokesman Glenn Morris said the situation was not quite as bad in the Nelson region, with about 480 applications having been made to the Tenancy Tribunal so far this year from landlords in Nelson, Tasman and Golden Bay. For the past two or three years, there had been about 550 each year. Mr Morris said there was no excess of properties for rent in the region. “I see the odd little hole in town where there is a difficult property to let, but generally, it’s about equal.” He said the use of compassion was tricky, especially for property managers representing owners who expected income from their investment. “If we go giving away the owner’s money, apart from suffering their wrath, we could well be doing something illegal.” (The Nelson Mail, Friday 28 November 2008) PROPERTY WATCHAwaroa Inlet property sells (The Nelson Mail, Friday 29 November 2008) |
|
This publication is compiled by Duke & Cooke Ltd, valuation and property specialists. The information contained within this newssheet has been obtained from various local sources and no responsibility is held for any parties relying on the accuracy of this information without obtaining independent verification. To contact us regarding circulation of this service: Phone +64 (03) 5489104, Fax +64 (03) 5468668, or email: admin@valuersnelson.co.nz |