The future of Forbury Park Raceway is far from settled, but the Dunedin City Council is already drawing up plans for a housing settlement incorporating a radical water feature. A lavish cul-de-sac known as Forbury Quay could be complemented by an attractive water corridor, boat berths, bridges, and waterfront accommodation. Leaked documents — including an artist’s impression — show the beginnings of bold conceptual planning that could fit in with a drive to adapt to climate change. The ambitious development could accommodate up to 450 people, as well as boost flood protection and improve stormwater management in South Dunedin, according to city planners. The land is owned by the Forbury Park Trotting Club, which is looking to move from its St Kilda site after a review commissioned by New Zealand Racing. That has led to speculation about how the land might be used. City council spokesman Tony Trott denied the leaked documents had any status within the council. "It looks like a case of putting the cart before the horse," Mr Trott said. "Sure, our innovative team of executives work on scenarios from time to time and they’re encouraged to be creative. But it would be wrong to characterise this as planning or any serious design on the future of Forbury Park. We have not been presumptuous. We did not jump the gun." The documents leak followed moves from the Government to calm a heated housing market. Among the responses is allowing Kainga Ora to borrow $2billion to scale up land acquisitions to increase housing supply. A $3.8billion fund has also been set up to boost infrastructure for housing. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development said it could not confirm there had been any discussions with the city council related to Forbury Park. Dunedin has a housing shortage and the city council has promoted a variation to its district plan, which is expected to result in more housing being created. One difficulty for developers in South Dunedin is the area’s lack of a natural water course, which puts pressure on the stormwater system. Mr Trott said it would not be wise for people to put much stock on the leaked documents. "This is Dunedin — not Venice." But even so, I think this would be a great use for the land. It could be one of the better decisions the DCC has made in recent years.
