Latest news 6 July 2016 | People across the organisation have been working with me over the past 12-18 months on our long- term plans, which include the development of our Healthy Together strategy. As part of this, we have been reviewing future service requirements for sites we currently own throughout the district. The largest of these sites is the Manukau SuperClinic (MSC) site.
As you know our Healthy Together strategic plan outlines what we want to achieve for the people of Counties Manukau over the next five years. A key part of this is supporting Healthy Communities.
The SuperClinic site is in the midst of our Manukau locality which has a very diverse population of 180,000 people including many people with high needs.
As part of our planning, we are intending to develop additional services on our Manukau site which will serve local, district and, for some services, supra-regional needs. However, we have also identified that there is potentially 10.85 hectares on the site which may not be needed for health purposes, which could potentially be made available for alternative uses, such as housing.
In addition to the 10.85 hectares, there is the potential opportunity for a new open space on the north-eastern part of the site.
Today we kicked off a period of consultation which invites feedback from the community on the future of our Manukau SuperClinic site. We are running public notices in the New Zealand Herald and the Manukau Courier, which will direct people to our website for further information. You can see a copy of the public notice here. The consultation runs through to Friday, 5 August.
You might be aware that we are planning a number of projects for the MSC site, including a state-of-the-art wellbeing centre that incorporates community wellbeing, specialist rehabilitation, and sports and recreation services (its conceptual name is the Living Well Centre and you’ll be hearing more about that from me in coming weeks).
Our Manukau site sits within Panuku’s regeneration area for Manukau. Its plan, Transform Manukau wants to make Manukau the “thriving heart and soul of the south” – a goal we support.
Given the current issues around population growth in Auckland, the Board and I feel it’s timely to consider the future of this land; whether we own it or not, and how it might be best used in the community interest if we don’t.
We also recognise the strong link between good housing and healthy living – it’s a central part of Healthy Together. We know that, among other things, if you live in a neighbourhood that’s safe, your home is dry and warm and you have regular and accessible healthcare, you are more likely to live a long and healthy life.
It is important to note, that no decision has yet been made by the Board. If the site was disposed of and ultimately used for housing, our analysis has identified the need for a mix of housing for specific high needs groups, universal access housing for people with disabilities, and transitional housing for people who have suffered a life-changing injury or illness to use after they are discharged from inpatient rehab.
Following consultation, we will summarise and submit community feedback to the Board, and the Board will make a decision on the future of the land. If the Board decides the land may not be required for health purposes and the Minister of Health approves this recommendation, any funds that are generated from the potential disposal of the land (if that were to occur), would be redirected into prioritised investment in health facilities in the Counties Manukau district.
What do you think about the future of the land? Jump onto the website and let us know. The last day for feedback is 5pm on Friday, 5 August 2016.
Geraint