The news that a “business garden” is proposed for Luggate’s commercial precinct has been welcomed by another developer keen to see the village’s commercial prospects expand.

Murray Frost, who is developing the Lake McKay residential subdivision, told the Wānaka App last year he intends to transform the former Upper Clutha Transport yard into a commercial hub centred on the historic Flour Mill.

While Murray’s plans are progressing slowly, he said Stuart Pinfold’s proposal to create The Green, a space for multiple small businesses on vacant land opposite the Luggate Hotel, is a welcome addition to Luggate.

“I’m really pleased Stuart’s doing his bit along the road as every bit of infrastructure helps Luggate’s development,” he said.

As Luggate’s residential development increases so the desire for a local commercial centre - “somewhere people can walk to” - also builds, he said.

Read more: Small business hub proposed for Luggate

Murray plans to develop a commercial hub concept based on the Mill site within the next 18 months and he’d like to make it complementary with Stuart’s “business garden” proposal.

“I’m very focused on having a commercial precinct on that site at the appropriate time. It’s zoned for that and the site is perfect for retail.” 

Three or four individuals have “expressed an interest” in the site’s potential since he’d revealed his long-term plans for a commercial hub, Murray said.

Construction of homes in the Lake McKay subdivision above Luggate village is expected to near completion within the next 2-3 years. 

He’s had the Flour Mill’s structure assessed and “it’s almost certain it will need strengthening”, but while the Mill remains the focal point of his proposed commercial hub it’s likely to be more “a monument" to Luggate’s historic past than a commercial venue, he said.

“A commercial centre will be really good for Luggate.”

Meanwhile, the Lake McKay residential subdivision is progressing at pace. The main part of the subdivision is approved for 140 residential sites and six lifestyle blocks. 

Eighteen homes are either under construction or completed, Murray said.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App