Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has released two concept plans for stage two of the Wanaka Lakefront Development Plan, and one of them would require removal of the existing Millennium Track tiles. 

After proposing the removal of the Millenium Track tiles last year, council received a petition with more than 4,000 signatures demanding the tiles stay where they are, and any changes to the lakefront made around them.

QLDC general manager community services Dr Thunes Cloete acknowledged the feedback received in 2019.

"However, the proposed parking along Ardmore Street first consulted on and adopted in the 2016 Wanaka Lakefront Development Plan (LDP) overlaps with the Millennium Path,” he said. 

An impression of concept one, with angled parking on Ardmore Street. IMAGE: QLDC (click the image to see more)

“We acknowledge that both elements are very important to the Wanaka community, and we’re looking for their guidance on how to proceed.”

Council is seeking feedback from the public on the two options.

Both plans for stage two feature an active travel promenade along the lakefront, providing pedestrians and cyclists with continuous access. All unformed parking will be removed from the lakefront and grass verges in the area, with existing trees retained and the introduction of a new feature garden.

An impression of concept two, with the Millenium Track intact. IMAGE: QLDC (click the image to see more)

Neither plan includes angle parking alongside Pembroke Park as indicated in the 2016 LDP.

Instead, concept one proposes the introduction of angle parking along the lakeside of Ardmore Street, with Millennium Track tiles to be laid in an alternative location.

The second concept features the Millennium Track remaining in its existing location, and no parking added to the lake side of Ardmore Street.

“Regardless of which option may be considered, should the decision be made to [choose concept one], we aim to honour the concept and history of the [Millenium] pathway, and believe new tiles could provide a dramatic improvement and help to preserve this piece of Wanaka's history,” a council representative said.

The 650m path originated as a community project designed to celebrate the new millennium (the 21st century). Local businesses, families, individuals and organisations “purchased” tiles (total community spend was $39,000) reflecting moments in history to pay for the path, which was completed in November 2001.

Liz Hall, who created the 2019 petition to save the path, said hundreds of locals were involved in the project to create the pathway and many have been involved since to maintain it. 

Wanaka Community Board (WCB) chair Barry Bruce said he was pleased to see both options provided lots of access to the lakefront.

"Whatever the final outcome may be, I'm heartened by the fact that we're one step closer to seeing runners and cyclists, pedestrians and picnickers enjoying Wanaka's lakefront in all its glory."

All feedback on the concept plans will be considered by council, with any final decision resting with the WCB.

Residents can view and provide feedback on the concept plans for stage two of the Wanaka Lakefront Development Plan here. Feedback closes on Sunday August 30 at 5.00pm.

There will also be four drop-in sessions held in and around Wanaka: Wednesday August 5, from 5.00pm – 7.00pm, Lake Wānaka Centre; Tuesday August 11 from 5.00pm – 7.00pm Lake Wānaka Centre; Saturday August 15, from 11.00am – 1.00pm Lakefront – stage two area; Thursday August 20, from 2.00pm – 4.00pm New World – Three Parks.