School on hold

The designation for a new school in Cambridge, which the Coalition government put the brakes on earlier this year, lapses in 2031, Waipā council’s Strategic and Policy committee were told this week.

The answer came in response to a question from Cr Mike Pettit, who is also principal at Cambridge Primary School, about how discussions were proceeding between the council and the Ministry of Education.

Site for the new school in Cambridge. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

The News revealed in January “fiscal constraints” had delayed the school at least two years despite the infrastructure for the 300-pupil primary school being already in place. Delays are now likely to be longer than that.

Wayne Allan

Group manager district growth and regulatory services Wayne Allan said it was “disappointing” national issues had seen the school stalled after years of work between the ministry and the council.

“If we have any further updates, we will let you know,” he told councillors.

The only revenue the council misses out on with the lack of development are in the water billing or pan tax areas. Development contributions and rates are not payable by government organisations.

The school remains in the District Plan for 10 years from the time it was put in, which was 2021.

See: Late for school

See: Six weeks on, we told you

See: Council has it Taylor made

 

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