Resource consent has been granted for the first stage of a development programme that will bring major changes to Lake Hāwea.

Quartz Development Group has been given the thumbs up for ‘Falcon Rise’, a residential development of 17 sections with price tags of up to $2.1M.

Nine of these sections - which will be located at the site that houses the existing Hāwea Hotel - have already sold.

“At this stage we’re hoping to begin the earthworks within the next four weeks, starting with some vegetation removal,” Quartz Development Group managing director Matt Laming said.

Planned works due to commence soon also include the disestablishment of the Hāwea Hotel’s current garden bar, but new lawn will be established around the front and existing patios and utilised as a semi-permanent stage for events.

The hotel will remain operational for the foreseeable future, with accommodation bookings still being taken until at least April 2026, Matt said.

“The community won’t be left without a restaurant and bar throughout any stage of the development – it will be business as usual,” he said.

Falcon Rise will be complemented by the anticipated Hāwea Hotel & Residences, a new commercial precinct further up Capell Avenue on the site of the current Hāwea Store & Kitchen.

Further consent applications are being developed and will eventually be lodged, Matt said.

He said Lake Hāwea Hotel & Residences, once operational, is expected to create approximately 40 new jobs in the area.

“A modern, quality hospitality offering is exactly what the township needs and we’re looking forward to seeing that take shape, and building something that will service the Hāwea community for decades to come,” Matt said.

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