Community input will be used to shape a detailed design for the area running between Wānaka Marina and the Yacht Club as part of the Wānaka Lakefront Development Plan.

Feedback on the concept plan for stage five of the Wānaka Lakefront Development Plan closed in November.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) community services general manager Thunes Cloete said the feedback generally supported active travel, improved safety and an increase in native planting.

A shared pathway is planned to link to the Eely Point track.

“Our main objective with stage five is to provide continuous access to pedestrians and cyclists, guiding recreational users safely through what can be a busy space, especially in the summer months,” Thunes said.

A shared pathway is planned to run along the eastern side of the area, creating a seamless transition for people heading along Lakeside Road and the newly completed stage three site, and on to the Eely Point track.

Stage five will also see the inclusion of new native planting on the bank adjacent to Lakeside Road and the marina, with some enhancement of planting on the lake’s edge and additional work to be considered.

But the council has decided against providing increased boat and trailer parking spaces in the area, which was included in previous iterations of the design by reclaiming some Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) land at the lake’s edge.

The council has ruled out the option due to “the limited number of parking spaces… weighed alongside the potential cost per space and the consent requirements”, Thunes said.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App