Fruitbowl - Fresh Ideas from Hawke's Bay

After a comprehensive review, Hastings District Council has opted to market the lease for the operation of the Top Ten Holiday Park.

“This presents a unique business opportunity for the right business person – right in the heart of Hastings and in one of the city’s premier parks,” says Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule.

The initial review was completed in October 2009 and officers proposed that business  improvements be made to the park over the summer period, with the intention of putting the park up for tender after the summer season.

The review recommended the Holiday Park being leased to an owner/operator would reduce the costs of running the park for the ratepayer, while at the same time continuing to provide holiday park facilities of a Top 10 standard.

Mayor Yule says just three councils run Top 10 Holiday Parks across New Zealand, evidence that suggests these operations are better run by the private sector.

“Council has made ongoing improvements at the park. A review has shown there are significant opportunities for an operator who is willing to invest and grow the business,’ Mayor Yule says.

“There is a shortage of holiday park-experience accommodation across Hawke’s Bay and the Hastings Top 10 Holiday Park is an established asset in a stunning setting – so it is positioned to do well.

“This model retains ownership of the land and buildings. Ratepayers will receive an improved and, more consistent return from the lease over the long-term from their investment in the park,” Mayor Yule says.

“Council will only take this step if the right operator is found. They will have to show themselves to be a solid business operator, that they have adequate financial resources, the required skills, experience and plans to successfully operate a holiday park and will act in the best interests of Hastings,” Mayor Yule says.

Three local real estate agents provided proposals for the contract to market the business for tender on behalf of Council and Bayleys were selected as the successful agent. Bayleys will market the business New Zealand-wide and also through overseas networks.

“Bayleys is expecting strong interest,” Mayor Yule says.

Council expects to have completed the tender process and selected an experienced and competent operator no later than September 2010.

For more information:

Erin Harford

Communications Manager

(06) 871 5056

027 275 5205