Plans to create a retail precinct and hub centred around Luggate’s historic Flour Mill are progressing.

Lake McKay housing developer Murray Frost purchased the former Upper Clutha Transport site with the aim of creating an attractive commercial space featuring the old mill, which was originally built in 1881.

“It will certainly be exciting to see it utilised, perhaps as part of a cafe complex in conjunction with the neighbouring building with outdoor dining, supported by a patisserie, groceries and other specialty stores,” he said. 

Restoring a heritage building however is challenging and heritage building specialists are involved in drawing up plans, Murray said, “but we think it may end up being more ornamental than available for public use”. 

The former Upper Clutha Transport yard has been vacant since the trucking firm relocated to Church Road.

He added it was still “early days”, as the plan would take an estimated two to three years to evolve, but it represented “a huge opportunity for Luggate to enhance its position as a great place to live and socialise”.

“We are currently looking for expressions of interest from parties keen to share our vision and help bring it to reality,” he said.

Murray said the current steady development of residential housing in Luggate’s new Lake McKay subdivision neighbouring the proposed “retail hub” was a positive sign.

More than 30 sections have already been sold; two homes are close to completion and another three houses have begun construction, he said. 

“It’s great to see a good number of houses underway in the neighbouring Lake McKay subdivision,” he said.  

One of the longest running local businesses, Upper Clutha Transport (formerly known as Reid’s Transport) had operated its trucking firm for more than 100 years at the old mill site but, with its business expanding, it relocated to a larger site on Church Road, Luggate, last year.

The mill site has sat vacant since then while Murray’s plans for commercial development evolve.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App