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Council seeks feedback on the future of two parks

Date:
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Bluff
Consultation
News
Parks and Reserves
A red metal swing set stands on a grassy field under a clear blue sky. The open park is surrounded by houses and trees in the distance, with long shadows cast across the grass.

Newfield Park in Invercargill was one of the pieces of land identified in the Long-term Plan process as a potential site for disposal.

Invercargill City Council is asking residents to share their views on the future of two underutilised green spaces in Invercargill and Bluff.

Feedback is sought on two proposals: to subdivide and sell a section of JG Ward Reserve in Bluff, and to revoke the reserve status of all or part of Newfield Park in Invercargill.

Invercargill City Council Manager Parks and Recreation Caroline Rain said the pieces of land were identified in the Long-term Plan process as potential sites for disposal.

“Both Newfield Park and JG Ward Reserve have large open areas that currently provide limited value to the community. This presents an opportunity to explore alternative uses and improvements,” she said.

“We will use the processes available to us to assess whether some of the land is still required as reserve. After completing public consultation, there could be opportunities for housing or other developments that provide greater benefits to the community.”

Newfield Park was classified as a recreation reserve under the Reserves Act 1977 and would be subject to a specific legal process and formal consultation before any disposal could occur.

A white statue stands on a stone pedestal in a landscaped roundabout with colourful flower beds. Behind the statue is a painted mural featuring bright coastal imagery, with a blue sky and scattered clouds overhead.

JG Ward Reserve in Bluff.

As freehold land, JG Ward Reserve was not subject to the same legal process, but public feedback would still be considered, Rain said.

“We want to hear directly from the community about both sites before making any final decisions. These spaces belong to the community and it’s important people have a say in their future.”

The proposal for Newfield Park included the option to revoke the status of the entire 1.8 hectares, or to dispose of part of the land and retain a small section as a reserve.

Council had already been approached by a not-for-profit developer with a proposal to build up to 22 community housing units on the site should the land become available.

Meanwhile, the proposal for JG Ward Reserve – including a small section at 38 Suir St – would see half of the land sold. Revenue generated from the sale would be used to fund upgrades in the remaining section, which would be formally classified as a reserve under the Reserves Act.

Community and Regulatory Services Committee Chair Cr Darren Ludlow said public feedback would be a key part of the decision-making process.

"Community feedback will play an important role in helping Council understand what matters most to residents before any decisions are made," he said.

"It's important to consider the opportunities that these proposals could create, whether that's additional housing or further investment in our public spaces for community benefit.”

Public consultation on both proposals closes at 5pm on Friday 7 August. More information, including a link to submission forms, is available at letstalk.icc.govt.nz.

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