Stage two of the Wānaka Lakefront Development Plan (LDP) is starting to take shape.

Stage two will see a shared pathway on the lakefront running from McDougall Street to Dungarvon Street, and 110 new car parking spaces and four accessible spaces added along the lake side of Ardmore Street opposite Pembroke Park.

“So far, a lot of work has gone into organising the site for future construction works, and crews have nearly completed the base of the shared pathway,’ Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) community services general manager Thunes Cloete said.

“They’ve also prepared over 1,200 metres of Ardmore Street adjacent to the lake for new drainage, kerb, and future car parking spaces, which was heavily supported in feedback on the concept plan we released for stage two.”

A series of new tiles will be displayed alongside the shared pathway, and Te Huruhuru’s Map – a recreation of the first map of the area which aided early explorers - will be integrated into the pathway.

Wānaka Community Board (WCB) chair Barry Bruce said it was great to see the different elements of stage two taking shape before the arrival of winter.

“Contractors on site are now moving into some minor sealing work, laying gravel to form the base for the new parking spaces, then they’ll install stormwater infrastructure and lay new asphalt on Ardmore Street,” Barry said.

A temporary closure to the section of Ardmore Street between McDougall Street and Dungarvon Street remains in place.

“I’d like to thank the Wānaka and Upper Clutha community for its patience during this time,” he said.

“No one likes a road closure, but I’m confident once construction is complete and Ardmore Street is open again, we’ll all benefit from a lakefront that prioritises open space and people-friendly places to be enjoyed by all.”

Construction on stage two of the Wānaka Lakefront Development Plan is estimated to be complete by the end of September.

IMAGE: Supplied