Supplied
An artists impression of a proposed change to the Showgrounds Hill resource consent that would allow a building to increase from one level to two.
A Timaru group is worried any changes allowed to Showgrounds Hill resource consents is “effectively allowing the death by a thousand cuts” to the town’s central business district (CBD).
Timaru CBD chairperson Allan Booth said they are concerned with the transparency of the Sale and Purchase agreement between TDHL and the current landowner, and how that is being implemented.
“For example, it was our understanding that no retail under 500m2 and a tavern would not be permitted until 2025,’’ Booth said.
The site’s developer Redwood Group wants to change one of three buildings in stage one alongside Evans St/State Highway 1, from a single storey to a double storey.
READ MORE:
* Sale and purchase agreement for Showgrounds Hill development released
* Countdown, Bunnings Warehouse, confirmed for Showgrounds as sale completed
* Judicial Review planned against Showgrounds Hill development
* Showgrounds Hill retail development gets consent go-ahead in Timaru
The Timaru Herald understands part of this building has been leased to the nationwide Lone Star franchise which Tony Gapes of Redwood Group called a restaurant rather than a tavern which is not permitted on the site until April 2025 under the sale and purchase agreement.
Booth said the CBD group believes requests to make changes to the land use consent will be ongoing…
