Woolworths shelves supermarket plans as Hastings site pitched for housing

A site once planned for a new Woolworths supermarket between Hastings and Havelock North could instead make way for housing after being put on the market.

Woolworths has put its properties at 246, 250 and 258 Havelock Road up for sale, comprising about 2.96 hectares across three freehold titles.

The supermarket company had intended to develop a new store at 250 Havelock Road, but a Woolworths spokesperson told Hawke’s Bay News its priorities had changed following a recent review.

“At the time of purchase, the intention was to develop a new supermarket at 250 Havelock Road. Following a recent review of our property requirements, our priorities have changed and the site is now surplus to our requirements, so we have put it on the market for sale.”

The spokesperson said the property's residential zoning, proximity to Hastings and Havelock North, and new roading and infrastructure made it an attractive residential development opportunity.

“Woolworths has an active development plan in Hawke’s Bay, and we have recently opened a new Woolworths supermarket in Flaxmere, as well as announced a planned store in Greenmeadows, Napier.”

The Havelock Road land is being marketed for sale by Bayleys Hawke’s Bay and sits within the General Residential zone under the Hastings District Plan and the Howard Street Urban Development Area Structure Plan.

Bayleys salesperson Matt Webb said the opportunity aligned strongly with Hastings District Council's Future Development Strategy, including its focus on increasing housing supply and accommodating population growth.

“With scale, servicing, zoning, location, and close alignment to the district's long-term housing objectives, this is a compelling opportunity for developers to deliver a housing project of significant note in one of Hawke's Bay's most desirable growth markets,” Webb said.

Bayleys salesperson Kerry Geange said the scale, shape and flat topography of the properties lent themselves to cost-efficient subdivision design and civil engineering.

“Buyers can rest assured that water, wastewater, stormwater, roading, and standard utilities, are already established and capacity confirmed, allowing new residential connections.”

Existing homes across the three titles currently provide a net holding income of $78,963 plus outgoings and GST annually while a future owner progresses planning, consenting, design and approvals.

Bayleys salesperson Tony Knaggs said the site's location on an arterial road linking Hastings and Havelock North, and beside Parkvale School, added to its appeal.

“Hastings’ CBD, and the Havelock North Village are a short drive away, making these sites convenient for business, commuting, and amenities.”

A Hastings District Council spokesperson said the land is "zoned residential so has the potential to provide further zone-enabled residential land-capacity, adding to the overall available stock of residential land".

"It does not, however, significantly change the overall residential land supply space in the area."

The properties are being sold by tender, closing on September 3, unless sold prior.