Deputy mayor Quentin Smith says a collaboration with a local developer to “unlock” 20 hectares of public space for future sport fields is an “incredibly unique” situation.

Councillors agreed for the chief executive to enter into an agreement with Willowridge Developments to remediate the former oxidation ponds on Ballantyne Road - earmarked for sport and recreation - and create a flat, grassed site, at last week’s (Thursday October 24) meeting.

“This will provide the first stepping stone to unlocking a massive…public space…that meets the need of hundreds of submissions we received during the Long Term Plan,” Quentin said.

The project, which could begin as soon as mid-2026, was a “mutually beneficial situation,” he said.

“We have a need and we have a willing provider who is uniquely placed, not only in Wānaka but probably in the lower South Island, to provide that need.”

Councillor Lyal Cocks agreed it was a win-win: “This is a really significant project for our district and will provide a huge asset.”

Willowridge Developments will remediate any contamination, complete earthworks using clean fill, and grass the site, at 101 Ballantyne Road, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) community services general manager Kenneth Bailey said.

“While this work will not in itself create usable playing fields, it would in time help achieve the long-term vision of developing a Ballantyne Road Sports Hub for community use,” he said.

QLDC sport and recreation manager Simon Battrick said Wānaka residents and groups had provided a “clear message” during Long Term Plan submissions “that new sports fields are wanted urgently for different codes”.

“We listened and looked for creative ways to fast track the site remediation process which may well deliver facilities earlier than current LTP funding allows.”

Councillors unanimously agreed to enter into the agreement with Willowridge at the meeting, following endorsement from the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board earlier in the month.

Read more: Collaboration to produce ‘green canvas’ for sports fields

They also agreed to bring forward $5M in funding for the project from year six of the Long Term Plan.

The work is expected to take between nine and 16 months once spades hit dirt.

PHOTO: Wānaka App