A 20m-wide, C-shaped reserve on the bank of Kaikorai Stream is to be saved from development, following a meeting this week of the Dunedin City Council Green Island Esplanade Reserve hearings committee.
An adjoining landowner wanted to purchase the industrial-zoned land at Green Island between the Southern Motorway and Main South Rd for possible development, reducing the width of the esplanade reserve from 20m to 3m.
Following a submission by Dr Simon McMillan, the committee of city councillors Fliss Butcher, Colin Weatherall and John Bezett recommended the site be retained.
Dr McMillan said development of the site could lead to increasing contamination of the waterway, which was a "marginal waterway in every sense".
"Inevitably, more development means more chance of degradation - now is the time to reverse that trend. Now is the time for a different vision for development in our industrial urban areas.
"This small, seemingly expendable piece of land gives us the opportunity to realise that vision. Do we have the wisdom to take it?"
Cr Weatherall agreed, recommending the council decline the request to develop the site, citing its potential for future generations.
Cr Bezett supported the recommendation, but recommended the council work with the landowner to identify other suitable sites for development.
"It is an area that could be developed and could become a very attractive reserve," he said.
Cr Butcher said she supported the recommendation.
"I wouldn't like to see it sold off; it has huge potential," she said.
The Esplanade Reserve was acquired by the Dunedin City Council following the subdivision of railway land in 1993.
A report compiled by the council noted the reserve had largely been untouched, and had not been actively managed.
