The Whakatāne District Council has reached an unconditional agreement to sell its land at 77 Bunyan Road to a partnership of very experienced Bay of Plenty developers, who have come together specifically to develop this strategically-important, 27-hectare coastal property. 

Mayor Tony Bonne has welcomed the finalisation of the agreement for the sale of the land, for a total, staged purchase price of $7.775 million, and looks forward to the progressive development of a quality lifestyle village and residential subdivision to provide for the region’s future housing needs.

“Following a due diligence process, the Council this week approved several refinements of the original agreement to better align the developable area with the actual land contours and provide enhanced development and environmental outcomes,” he says. “I’m delighted to see this matter brought to a successful conclusion and to have reached an agreement with developers who have wholeheartedly embraced the Council’s aspirations for the establishment of a lifestyle village for retired residents, and an attractive housing environment for younger property owners.”

The Opihi development partnership consists of successful developers Bain McDonald, Richard Seton and Dave Macfarlane.

The partners envisage that earthworks for the initial stage of the development could commence in autumn 2018. In the meantime, work will continue on the management plan for the buffer area which has been set aside to address the effects of residential development on the nearby Opihi Whanaungakore Urupa.