The steering group behind an initiative to develop a community-driven Wānaka town centre plan says its first round of community consultation has been enlightening.

The consultation found that residents want to see safe streets where vehicles are retained but slowed down; optimised public parking; and better access and recreation at public open spaces like Lismore Park, Pembroke Park and the A&P Showgrounds.

They also want public facilities like the library and the Lake Wānaka Centre to be better used, public transport, and more walking and cycling facilities, Heart of Wānaka group spokesperson Andrew (Howie) Howard said.

Following the August idea-gathering consultation, Heart of Wānaka will soon start a second round of engagement with the public and local interest groups.

Howie said the goal of the Heart of Wānaka is to present a popularly supported town centre plan to the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board by early next year so it can be then adopted by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) to direct planning and funding for the development of the town centre.

Its key vision is to optimise ‘the lakeside heart of Wānaka’ as a thriving, welcoming community centre.

See also: Heart of Wānaka community initiative launched

“This second round includes a base plan of key ideas that the steering group believe all can support,” Howie said, as well as “more detailed plans of four sections of the town centre are presented listing out the opportunities and constraints in each area”.  

Starting today (Tuesday October 4) and going through to October 14, the second round includes drop-in sessions across the Upper Clutha. 

Heart of Wānaka was officially launched at a WCB meeting in May but the steering group behind it - which comprises local representatives from the community, schools, retailers, design, business and property owners - has been meeting monthly since a public meeting in July last year.

Howie says the many messages of support for the Heart of Wānaka initiative had been heartening.

Find information about the upcoming Heart of Wānaka engagement sessions here.

The area covered in Heart of Wānaka plans include the wider CBD and Roys Bay, from Wānaka Station Park to Anderson Heights and Mount Aspiring College.

PHOTO: Wānaka App