State housing area may become heritage zone

A state housing area may become a heritage area after years of legal battles.

Hamilton City Council will hold a public meeting on July 4 to consider making Hayes Paddock in Hamilton East a protected zone.


The area has had much of its character changed by property developers.


Mayor Michael Redman said it was an "important issue" for the city.

He said urban design and heritage was now a council priority and it wanted to see this applied to the area, which was established in the 1930s and 1940s.

Hayes Paddock is situated between MacFarlane St and the Waikato River .

It is named after Irishman Patrick Hayes who once farmed the area.

Mr Redman said the council intended taking a lead on providing an outcome which would accommodate both the historic significance and provide development options.

- nzpa