Media Release

28th August 2013

Dr. Grant Gillon, Member Kaipatiki Board

Local Shopping Centres Ready for Sale.

“Council owned property at both the Northcote and Highbury town centres are apparently been readied for sale after the election” said a concerned Grant Gillon today.

Kaipatiki Local Board papers indicate that all the Council owned land at Northcote Shopping Centre is being readied for sale as well as three Council (Community) owned shops at Highbury.

ACPL advise that “Once identified as a potential sale candidate a property is taken through a multi-stage Rationalisation Process.” And that Properties currently under review for future opportunities via the Rationalisation Process in the Kaipātiki area are:-

1, 3-5, 7-9, 11-13, 15, 17-21, 23-25, 27, 29,
35, 47C, 49 & 51 Pearn Crescent, Northcote
1-11, 13, 15, 16-30, 17, 21, 23-25, 32-44,
37-41, 43 & 50 Pearn Place, Northcote
And 16-18 & 30 College Rd, Northcote
35, 37 & 39 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead

http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/AboutCouncil/meetings_agendas/local_boards/Pages/kaipatikilocalboard.aspx
Item 19 pp. 106 & 141 onwards

Both sets of property (Northcote and Highbury) have been at the centre of intense consultation and planning with the community. It is only possible to realise their potential to the community if they remain in Council (community) ownership to steer their refurbishment.
A sale could have dramatic implications for the projects and a loss of community control over these important facilities, said Grant Gillon today.

It was always a fear that the amalgamation of councils would lead to quick-fire sales of important public assets without community consultation. Both shopping centre assets have been identified by the public and North Shore City as integral to the refurbishment of the centres. In particular both North Shore City, planners and Kaipatiki Local Board confirmed the importance of Northcote Shopping Centre remaining in Council (community) ownership.

CCOs seem to consider that the public assets are theirs as of right, when in fact they are just guardians for the public. The Board and the Community needs to be vigilant against this isolated decision-making by Council’s CCOs. I intend questioning ACPL at the Kaipatiki Local Board over these proposals.

ENDS

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