Whakatāne District Council has purchased a piece of land on Appenzell Drive to ensure public access to the nearby Waiewe Street Reserve is secur
ed.
The 7,500m2 property is a connecting corridor which runs along the Waiewe Stream linking Appenzell Drive through to the Waiewe Street reserve.
General Manager Community Experience Georgina Fletcher says while people have been using the walkway as if it was public land for some time, most were unaware it was privately owned.
“A house was built on part of the property a few years back, and some frequent users of the corridor were surprised to learn the land was privately owned,” says Georgina.
The purchase of the land is seen as a natural fit for Council.
“It’ll secure public access to the reserve from Appenzell Drive for future generations, ensure access to on-site infrastructure is maintained, and add another beautiful green space to our District’s long list of leafy walks.”