CDHB unanimously votes to sell land in Hanmer

Board members, although expressing sadness at their decision, said the money tied up in the vacant former Queen Mary Hospital site was best poured into other health services.

In the face of budget constraints, the board would be negligent to hold onto the land, board member Alison Wilkie said. "The cost of maintaining this site reduces the services we are otherwise able to provide to the community. I see it as irresponsible not to sell the site."

The DHB's only interest in the land since 1997 has been as a landlord. Since its tenant, the alcohol and drug treatment provider Hanmer Clinics, went into liquidation in November the land had been vacant.

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