Council contributes half to Chelsea Park
June 22, 2006

North Shore City Council is contributing half the money needed to secure the land and lakes surrounding Chelsea Sugar Refinery for everyone to enjoy in future.

The council has given $10m of the $20m purchase price to convert the 36.5ha Chelsea Estate to public ownership.

North Shore City mayor, George Wood, revealed North Shore City's major contribution at a council meeting last night.

"This land is another important piece of our parkland puzzle, and shows our commitment to protecting our city's green and leafy character," he says.

Because of North Shore City Council's significant contribution, it is likely to have guardianship over the land.

The Chelsea Trust had six months to secure the funding needed to buy the land, which has been under the guardianship of New Zealand Sugar Company Limited for 125 years.

North Shore City community services and parks committee chairwoman, Margaret Miles, is grateful to others who have also lent support.

"It was the Chelsea Park Trust who galvanised everyone into action, and North Shore City Council was happy to generously support the acquisition," she says.

The Trust has entered into a Agreement for Sale and Purchase for the land. One of the conditions is a private plan change to clarify the future use of other parts of the site.

Other contributors include central Government ($2m), ASB Bank ($6m) and Auckland Regional Council ($2m).

North Shore City has more than 2100ha of green open space, and over the next 10 years the council plans to invest $109m buying land for parks, and another $255m maintaining, renewing and upgrading parks and sportsfields.

Margaret Miles points out that money for the purchase of parks is not funded by rates, but by development contributions.

ENDS

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