A proposed development could transform part of Ardmore Street, replacing a mostly tree-covered 5,100m2 area with a sprawling five-level development.

Developers Wānaka Central JV Ltd have envisioned a mixed use development with a 143-room hotel, 56 residential units, five retail spaces and seven hospitality venues, complete with a double height atrium entrance.

The development would cover five sites (5,100sqm) on the northern side of Ardmore Street between ANZ and Heartland Design and Print. 

Plans show the location of residential units above the retail spaces. IMAGE: Supplied

It’s one of the few areas of downtown Wānaka without much development: the site currently features an old bungalow, a fish and chip cart and lots of mature wilding pines.

The Wānaka Central JV directors (Auckland-based Five Mile developer Tony Gapes and company director Brett Gamble of Christchurch) recently lodged a resource consent application with Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) for the proposed development.

If the application is approved it could be Wānaka’s tallest commercial building.

The plans show retail tenancies on the edge of the development, with residential above; a food and beverage laneway; a rooftop bar and terrace; and a four level hotel to the rear. 

The large site, which is bordered by ANZ on one side and Heartland Design and Print on the other, is heavily vegetated. PHOTO: Wānaka App

The proposal also includes a two-tiered basement carpark (providing 73 parking spaces) accessed from Monley Lane (the short narrow access way connecting Ardmore Street and Lakeside Road), which would be upgraded to make it “more pedestrian friendly”.

The five sites have a mix of zoning, from Wānaka Town Centre to residential.

QLDC media advisor Sam White told the Wānaka App the application “is towards the start of the resource consent process and is currently on hold pending our request for further information”. 

He said once council receives more information it will be able to determine whether the application needs to be publicly notified.