CARPARK controversy continues, as Tamworth Regional Council (TRC) decides to put discussions about the sale of the Kable Avenue carpark on the back-burner.
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The council has decided to formally reject an offer from a developer for the space next to the council chambers and have a workshop to discuss the matter further.
The potential sale of the carpark didn't attract the interest the council expected, councillor Mark Rodda said.
"Me personally, I don't think it's up to the council to be the purveyor of public lands to developers from our region or ones that come from elsewhere," he said.
"There's plenty of land around Tamworth that could be purchased if the proponents of developments approached the owners of that land and made an offer they would be happy with.
"I think we should leave it alone at this point, there's not a deficit of land that we need to sell off for developers to exploit."
The 45-space Kable Avenue carpark closest to Fitzroy Avenue is mostly used by TRC staff and fleet, and has space for five visitors.
Tamworth Regional Ratepayer's Association president David McKinnon rejoiced over the decision to keep the asset in public hands.
"It's hard to justify that it's a way to make money as it really was a valuable site, anyone who works in the city knows parking is difficult," he said.
"The asset, which is operational land, is going to be needed for the community and that's why we have it today - if it's not in maximum use now it will be later.
"There will come a time when the council needs a space in the middle of the city and there is none, and they can't afford the millions of dollars to get it."
The call for expressions of interest requires parties to address how a future development might align with principles of the council's Blueprint 100 strategy in regard to inner-city living.
An extension to White Street's carpark was approved at the same time, with work to extend it by 44 spaces expected to start in mid-May.
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It will include two disabled spots and six motorcycle parks.
A letter will be sent to nearby businesses once the start date is confirmed, a TRC spokesman said.
"The project budget is approximately $300,000 funded through the council's carpark reserve," he said.
"Corflute signs have been on display around the car park for the past two weeks."