Tension over shore site's future
The future of the last big Auckland Council-owned commercial site in Devonport is up in the air, as city officials ponder its future.
Auckland Council Property wants 27 Lake Rd to be sold, but the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board is concerned about future traffic congestion in the area if the land is redeveloped and wants a plan for its best use.
The site on the main road from Takapuna houses Devonport Timber, the Devonport Garden Centre with enclosed outdoor plant area, Central Landscape and Garden Supplies, the local transfer or refuse station, and the old Claystore building.
Interests associated with Progressive Enterprises recently bought the neighbouring Firestone site at 25 Lake Rd, and speculation is that Progressive has a long-term intention to buy the land for a new Countdown.
Local resident Roger Brittenden wants the community to speak out against the sale of 27 Lake Rd. He was "astonished" that the issue to sell the council site had arisen, yet few people knew about it.
The local board wants the land to be a high-value employment site, and its chairman, Chris Darby, said he did not consider a supermarket fitted into that category.
The board wants a full master-plan developed for the site, and Mr Darby said a resource recovery centre was an appropriate use.
