Flaxmere's makeover will be the first task of the new Hastings District Properties company which named its four directors this week.
Peter Snelling, an Auckland businessman now living in the Bay, will head the company as its chairman.
Mr Snelling worked with the Tramco Group where he was chief executive of Rail
Lease, Viaduct Harbour Holdings, and Quay Lease.
He had a significant role in the development of Auckland's Viaduct Harbour and a new industrial subdivision in Mount Maunganui.
Three other people with strong Hawke's Bay business connections will be company directors, David Mackersey, Richard (Rick) Cranswick and Mark Clews.
Mr Mackersey is a Bay developer and construction expert, who started in the building industry in 1971 working in the family business, Mackersey Construction.
He's currently managing director of Mackersey Development and chairman of Mackersey Construction.
Mr Cranswick, a Hastings chartered accountant, is principal and chief executive of WHK Hawke's Bay, formerly Coffey Davidson.
His work had included advising clients on property developments including feasibility studies, structures, funding and taxation.
Mr Clews is the Hastings District Council's principal advisor district development and has spent more than 25 years as a local government manager, planner and strategist. He has spent most of his career in Hawke's Bay.
He has worked closely with valuers, property developers over many years.
The council appointments committee chair, Mick Lester, said the company would initially focus on the development of council's surplus land.
"The commercial expertise of the directors will be used to manage risk and achieve positive financial results for ratepayers.
"The company's first project will be to advance urban design improvements in Flaxmere and in particular facilitate the revitalisation of the Flaxmere town centre," Mr Lester said.
In March, the council advertised for independent directors who had extensive experience and skills in development to form the company.
Mr Lester said the council was overwhelmed with applications from the business community.
He said all of the directors were outstanding business leaders with strong experience in property development and commerce.
