The sale of the marine precinct has been bitterly opposed by some in the community. Photo: LDR / Brydie Thompson
The contract for the sale of Tauranga's Marine Precinct has now been settled, the local council has confirmed.
The $13.98 million sale of the precinct to a Christchurch developer was due to settle in November but was halted by a last-minute High Court interim injunction.
Tauranga City Council chief executive Marty Grenfell said a recent High Court judgement dismissed an application for an interim injunction to prevent the completion of the Marine Precinct sale process.
"Justice J Andrew's findings were unambiguous. Based on further legal advice, Council has now met its legal and contractual obligations with regard to the sale of the precinct," he said.
Grenfell said the council will continue engaging with all marine industry stakeholders, including many who bitterly opposed the sale.
"This sale commits the purchaser to design, construct and complete development of the precinct so that it meets its strategic objectives and establishes a purpose-built marine service facility, for the wider benefit of the industry and the community," he said.
Tumblehome Bay developer Sam Rofe, who purchased the marine precinct, said it is with joy that the company can begin development of the area into a superyacht refit destination.
"Tumblehome Bay can begin the transformation works first envisaged by the city of Tauranga in 2014 - take up the baton, and deliver for the benefit of all, a world class marine precinct - entirely fit for purpose to provide employment and opportunities for the provision of specialist marine services to both larger pleasure craft and local commercial vessels, and now also, to a growing base of international clientele who hold in high esteem our skilled Kiwi marine professionals," said Rofe.
Lobby for Good director Erika Harvey - an outspoken opponent of the sale - said she was surprised to hear the sale had gone ahead.
"I've been advised to say nothing further at this time," she said.
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