Working together for the future
August 10, 2006

North Shore City Council has been approached by the Ministry of Education about selling a piece of reserve land so a new school can be built in Albany.

If the proposal went ahead, it would result in Albany Senior High School being built on 4ha of the 10ha of Rosedale Park leased by Rosedale Pony Club.

If the pony club were to move, there would be a net gain of a minimum of six hectares of reserve land in the northern ward.

The much-needed school would ultimately cater for 1400 to 1500 students from year 11 to 13, and is expected to open in 2009.

North Shore City mayor, George Wood, says the council is talking with the Ministry in order to ensure the best outcome for the city.

"We must look at this opportunity for the community's sake. There is no question that there is a need for the school, and we would also get more open space," he says.

The Ministry has agreed in principle that any price for the land would include the relocation cost of Rosedale Pony Club, which leases that part of the park. The BMX track would be unaffected.

Ministry of Education manager for school network provision in Auckland, Karl Hutton, says Rosedale Park is the preferred site for Albany Senior High School for a number of reasons.

"Of the seven sites identified, Rosedale is the best because it is centrally located within the Albany Basin, close to Albany Junior High School and Massey University, and has good access from two major roads," he says.

"Because of the gentle contours of the site there would be little environmental impact, and an internal road, car parks and bus bays would be provided."

North Shore City Council parks manager, Andrew Rutledge, says considering selling a portion of reserve land for any reason is difficult.

"But the Ministry only needs 4ha of the total of approximately 70ha of reserve land at Rosedale Park for the school, and we would work together to develop the rest of the site into playing fields for community use," he says.

If an agreement were reached on the sale, other land use conditions would also need to be met. The public would have the chance to have its say during the required consent processes.

"We would work very closely with council on issues such as traffic management to mitigate congestion resulting from school traffic in the area," says Mr Hutton.

ENDS

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