Media Release
17 June 2005

Council buys Papatoetoe's St George Tavern

Manukau City Council has purchased the St George Tavern property at 31 George Street in Papatoetoe from The Papatoetoe Licensing Trust. The site will form part of the Council's town centre development plan for Old Papatoetoe.

After serving the Papatoetoe Community for more than 30 years, the St George Tavern will close its doors on 25 June 2005. The Building will be demolished shortly thereafter.

Change in drinking patterns and harsh economic reality has finally caught up with the aging and spacious tavern, resulting in falling patronage and a major down turn in business. As part of the close-down, local Papatoetoe clubs will be given priority to purchase the contents of the premise.

Papatoetoe Licensing Trust Chairman, Raghbir Singh JP says "The current Trust Board has worked hard at considering all the alternatives since it took office late last year, but historic losses and diminished sales, along with changing social habits have all contributed to this decision. However, there is every possibility that a modified outlet, possibly a bar / grill type operation will emerge in the future in the new development".

The Council's concept design for Papatoetoe and Hunters Corner adopted in February 2003 identified the St. George Tavern property as a "key design feature", promoting a residential courtyard apartment complex with ground floor shops for the site. The property covers a total area of 8892m2.

"By now having total control over this site, Council can determine what form any development takes, keeping in mind the desire to improve the well-being of the area in general," says Councillor Noel Burnside, chairperson of the Council's Environment and Urban Design Committee.

Council officers are working through a precinct planning exercise to determine the most appropriate use of the site, integrating pedestrian linkages from adjacent St George Street retail (north) to the Allan Brewster Centre Stadium Reserve (south). Ways of improving traffic circulation and parking in the area are also being considered.

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