From Saturday, the council is calling for expressions of interest for the future use of the 1.6ha site at Ocean Grove. Proposals must be submitted by 4pm on Monday, July 18.
DCC Recreation Planning and Facilities Manager Jendi Patersonsaid: "We welcome any ideas for the site and see this as an exciting opportunity for the community to be involved."
Otago Peninsula Community Board Deputy Chair Paul Pope is pleased the process is underway.
"It has taken several years to get to this point and now there is the opportunity for the Tomahawk/Ocean Grove community to engage with the Council through the consultation process.
"The Community Board is very keen for the community to express its various views on what the future of the site should be. We actively encourage people to get involved."
Ms Paterson said all proposals had to cover:
- how the proposal would affect/enhance the environment
- how the proposal would be funded
- an approximate timeframe for the proposed project to be completed
- the potential benefits for the community and/or the local area
- whether the buildings and facilities would be retained or demolished.
In 2010, the school was sold by the Ministry of Education to Ngāi Tahu. The DCC purchased the land and buildings from Ngāi Tahu in 2012.
The site is not suitable for subdivision or resale, but contains several buildings that hold potential for community or commercial use.
The public will be able to go through the former school buildings from 4pm to 6pm on Wednesday, June 15 and 10am to noon on Saturday, June 25.
The proposals will be assessed by council staff and then presented to the Community and Environment Committee.
