Two local businessmen have unveiled a significant new development proposal which they hope will alleviate some of Wanaka’s growth and transport issues.

Mt Iron Junction Ltd directors Steve Schikker, a local businessman, and Peter Greene, a Christchurch property developer, have lodged a resource consent application with Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) for a proposed mixed-use development on six hectares of land at the base of Mt Iron, bounded by State Highways 6 and 84.

The plans are a response to Wanaka’s growing pains, Steve told the Wanaka App.

“We envisage Mt Iron Junction to be an attractive, thoughtful and functional entrance to Wanaka – one that complements the natural environment, existing urban and commercial development, and community infrastructure, while offering the necessary facilities for future growth,” Steve said. “It’s Wanaka’s entrance, and we’ve got a deer fence and some 30 foot pine trees. We can do a lot better than that.”

The proposal would include commercial development as well as terraced housing and workers’ accommodation.

An artist’s impression of the workers' accommodation.

A major feature is a roundabout at the SH6/SH84/Riverbank Road intersections. Mt Iron Junction would also introduce new cycleways and walkways to link Albert Town and Wanaka.

“NZTA has been consulted right from the get-go,” Steve said, adding they are at an “advanced design stage” with the organisation. NZTA confirmed to the Wanaka App that plans for the intersection “have progressed” since March this year, when NZTA had said there were no plans to adapt the intersection.

The proposed commercial development includes a service station, “upscale motel”, childcare centre, mini-golf course and small retail area. Steve, who chaired the Shaping Our Future Upper Clutha Transport taskforce last year, said the plans would help declutter the CBD by taking refuelling cars and boats out of the CBD.

The plan also includes 17 two- and three- bedroom two-storey villas, as well as a dedicated workers’ village with accommodation and amenities for up to 90 seasonal and long-term working residents.

There’s a huge demand for work accommodation for seasonal workers in the ski, horticulture, and tourism industry, Steve said, and the workers’ housing “won’t just be a ghetto”. The plan is for energy efficient, architecturally designed buildings with an onsite manager. Steve said he wasn’t yet sure whether the terraced housing would be for rent or sale.

Artist’s impression of terraced housing.

Steve said the plans have been underway for a good year, with the first on-site meeting with the council in December 2017. The pair purchased the land two years ago.

He said the process with council had been “transparent, positive, and collaborative”, and that the Wanaka Community Board and Wanaka Ward councillors had been “really positive”.

Councillor and WCB chair Quentin Smith said councillors and the WCB are unlikely to have any direct involvement or influence over the decision as it will be allocated to hearing commissions and assessed against the District Plan and the Resource Management Act.

Quentin expects the application to attract a lot of community interest due to its scale and location.

“The resource consent application should be expected to be subject to a public notification process where people can make submissions in support or opposition to the proposal.”

He said he expects the discussion will not centre on whether the activities are in demand for Wanaka, but whether the location and the underlying zoning are appropriate.

“One thing is very clear: regardless of whether this goes ahead or not, safety improvements are desperately required at that intersection."

The developers said they anticipate construction will begin as soon as practicable, subject to the required consents.

IMAGES: Supplied