FUNDS from the prospective sale of the Willow Court oval would be used to develop the remainder of the historic site, Derwent Valley Mayor Martyn Evans said in a statement issued to mainstream media last week. "New Norfolk is set to make a positive move ahead with the sale of the oval space," Councillor Evans said.
“For several years council has been seeking to sell this space with expressions of interest being called on three occasions. Funds raised from the sale of this space will go directly into the development of the Willow Court precinct. We are hopeful ... that these funds will bring about a much-needed new and positive approach to Willow Court,” Cr Evans said.
"Over the last 12 months the Derwent Valley Council has discussed the sale of the oval area, an empty piece of land behind [Woolworths] supermarket, with four prospective purchasers. Late last year, it was thought that a developer had been found, but the sale did not go ahead as the developer could not meet some of the conditions needed.
The council is now negotiating with a preferred tenderer who has not been named. Cr Evans said this decision was not based on sale price, but on what was in the best interest of the community. “It’s great to see that there is investment coming into the town, and that we as a council can manage that in the best interests of the whole community,” he said.
Wow very interesting news.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason that last statement makes me feel a little uneasy. "Decision not based on sale price but what’s best for the community" I hope they are not almost giving it away; WCC needs all the cash injection it can get.
Also has the council conditions eased or has the developer met the pervious conditions?? That part worries me also.
Spot on Jarvo, I think they've been screwed down by this 'buyer' & the town is now going to pay the price...very sad state of affairs..
ReplyDeleteThanks Megan
ReplyDeleteIs anyone able to shed some light on my queries??
Come on Megan-why are you so anti development?.You could have bought the land if you felt so strongly.
ReplyDeleteDo we know what sort of developmenmt Council is seeking for the oval space? Has the community been consulted at all in this regard? Am new to town so still trying to get a feel for the background to various initiatives.
ReplyDeleteAnnon
ReplyDeleteI'm on the Willow Court & Barracks Committee of Council and I for one have not been consulted so I would say the general public would have no idea of the possible sale, price or what the development might be, which is concerning I feel.
Thanks Jarvo. That is disconcerting. One would at least expect your committee to be in the loop. So much for the Council 'committing to openness, communication' and 'encouraging [residents'] participation in the decisions that affect their lives' ... as per the draft startegic plan.
ReplyDeletePS - I am very keen to get involved with the Willow Court development. Is committee membership open to new members?
PPS - Editor: how do I create a name rather than using Anonymous for my posts?
Many thanks
That being said maybe our executive has been informed, but if so, no one has told the remainder of the Committee. I agree in regards to your comment regarding Open Communication. I understand there is some commercial in confidence issues but surely some of the information can be communicated. Thank god for this blog or no one would know.
ReplyDeleteBeing part of the committee really depends on the future ownership of Willow Court. If its stays with DVC there will be an advert in the gazette later this year asking for people to nominate themselves, and then Council vote on who is elected onto the committee as I understand.
Absolutely. There will be a level of confidentiality over any negotiations but it would be nice to know what sort of developers DWC is seeking tenders from - will the area be used for shops, recreation, residential ... I guess time will tell.
ReplyDeleteI will continue to keep an eye on Willow Court and the committee.
Cheers
Sweet Truth - I am not anti-development - just anti screwing up things...there's a difference. And the fact that you think I should have bought it just shows how little you know about what it involves to get any sort of development off the ground - I don't think there are too many people in New Norfolk with a lazy million dollars at their disposal..and that is just to buy the land...so unless you have something positive to contribute....
ReplyDeleteI am surprised to learn that the asking price for this land was one million dollars.Why do people assume the site will be" screwed up "?
ReplyDeleteSurely for the lucky purchaser,it would be folly to "Screw Up" ones own investment?
Whilst my comments may not be to your taste i believe they are appropriate within the Blog.
I guess the concern is that whatever development proceeds at the oval, it is not one that negatively impacts on the area but enhances it. And the final assessment of that probably rests with the community rather than what the developer thinks is a good thing from their point of view. That's why it would be nice to know what type of development DWC is encouraging.
ReplyDeleteIts funny reading these posts-the vocal opponents have clearly either never had a real job or run a profitable business.You are very naive to assume that developers are going to discuss their business intentions with all and sundry.Its called commercial advantage,and they are quite entitled to maintain it.This town should consider itself very lucky anyone is willing to invest money in it.
ReplyDeleteThe Derwent Valley will simply die a slow death if investment and development is not allowed to happen.
Real estate is in the doldrums in the area already,for that to turn around ,people need to be encouraged to live and work in the area.The alternative is to simply use the area as a dumping ground for low/no income tenants.
Hi Anonymous@7.46am - welcome to the Derwent Valley and thanks for reading the New Norfolk News. It looks like you've already worked out how to create a name to add to your comments and I thank you for doing so. The number of "anonymous" posts is becoming confusing :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Ed. Loving it in the Valley. I read this blog every day; I think it's a great service. Cheers
ReplyDeleteCommon Tater - real job? Care to describe what your idea of a real job is... I am a business owner, and in the past have been an employee of many different organisations..I work, pay taxes & like anyone else am entitled to my opinion. What I object to is the lack of consultation this community has had over the years in regards to Willow Court & like others have said here, this development needs to be done in consultation with the community & should not be forced upon us without any regard for the concerns that may arise.
ReplyDeleteCommon Tater - I notice in the Council Meeting Agenda that only one submission was received on the Draft DW Strategic Plan. You sound like someone who might have some ideas on how things could be improved. Perhaps it's not too late to pen a few?
ReplyDelete