A last-ditch attempt to find a site for the Alexandra men's shed group has been successful, ending a long and frustrating battle.
The Vincent Community Board this week decided to offer the group five years on a site at the bike park in Alexandra's Molyneux Park for a peppercorn rental, subject to ministerial consent.
"This is essentially a last-ditch effort to try and find somewhere for the men's shed to relocate to," Central Otago District Council property officer Brian Taylor said.
"We've explored every option for the men's shed and in every other option, there's been something wrong."
The group wanted to set up in Boundary Rd but neighbours objected, with their main concern being that the site would be reclassified from a local purpose reserve or green belt. In the meantime, it has been temporarily based in a building beside St Enoch's Church but will have to vacate that site to make way for the new Alexandra Community House development.
Group members use the shed for personal woodworking and engineering projects, as well as helping community groups with various projects.
Alexandra men's shed spokesman Neil McArthur thanked Mr Taylor and the community board for their support.
"It's been a long battle and, I must say, very frustrating at times," he said.
Mr Taylor said he did not anticipate any negative response from the shed's new neighbours - the bike park, the BMX club, the skating rink, the bowling and squash clubs, the scouts and the toy library.
The presence of the men's shed in the area was seen as a positive thing, which might reduce the amount of vandalism at the bike park, he said.
Board member Martin McPherson said the shed was "highly unlikely to be a nuisance for the neighbours".
