DEPUTY mayor Scott Shaw lifted the lid on the likely sale of the Willow Court sportsground last weekend, but the New Norfolk News understands a nearby supermarket car park is also under offer.
Councillor Barry Lathey inadvertently revealed the imminent sale of the Willow Court oval during his deputy mayoral campaign speech on Saturday afternoon, but refused to reveal further details when questioned. During his own mayoral campaign speech, Cr Shaw later revealed that a developer had offered about $500,000 for the oval, which was likely to become the site of a new supermarket.
A number of people present for the "meet the candidates" function expressed their opposition to the oval being sold, describing it as open space which had long been used by the public. It has now emerged that the council is also considering the sale of the public car park at the Woolworths supermarket in New Norfolk for about $300,000 to the same developer.
The council has been seeking a buyer for the Willow Court oval for some time. It rejected an offer for the car park several years ago and had not revealed that the property was still up for sale. Both matters are expected to be considered during a closed council meeting on Monday night, allowing the council to keep its decision secret if it wishes.
So if the developer does purcahse this land, does the $500,000 go back into Willow Court???
ReplyDeleteCould someone please explain to me why it would be necessary for the council to keep such an offer secret? Surely once a firm commercial offer has been made there is no need for any commercial-in-confidence consideration? Or is the offer not firm?
ReplyDeleteJeff