An Auckland group remains interested in developing the old Wanaka primary school site as a private school in partnership with an investor, as the hunt continues for a new owner for the property.
As part of the standard disposal process for Crown-owned property, the Ministry of Education put two blocks of land containing most of the school buildings at the old Wanaka Primary School, in Tenby St, on the market in April.
A conditional offer was made for the properties by a New Zealand investor. However, that offer expired early last month.
The unnamed investor had been in discussions with a group associated with Auckland's Wentworth College to establish a private school at the site.
Wentworth College Property Ltd director Stephen Fleming said yesterday the group was still considering setting up a private school in Wanaka, despite the previous offer on the property falling through.
"It all depends on a site and there's nothing available at the moment," Mr Fleming said.
The old Wanaka primary school was "still a site of interest" and the group was keen to work with other potential buyers.
"We're not in a position to actually buy sites."
The group also has plans to establish a private school in Queenstown and was "still working through" the site selection process there, he said.
A Ministry of Education spokesman said the land and buildings at the old Wanaka primary school were being re-advertised for sale.
"We have other interested parties and are still anticipating the property being sold in the near future," the spokesman said.
The properties are on the open market by way of private treaty, one for $3,600,000 plus GST, and the other for $300,000 plus GST. Offers will be accepted from August 11.
A third block of land at the school was sold earlier this year to Ngai Tahu - which had first right of refusal - and subsequently on-sold to neighbours of the property who wanted to preserve their lake views.
