After a prolonged process, a fast-track consent application has finally been lodged for a community-focused residential development at the base of Mt Iron.

Mt Iron Junction Ltd has applied to the Minister of Infrastructure for a fast-track consent to develop a six-hectare site on the corner of State Highways 6 and 84 in Wānaka - six years after an initial proposal in 2019.

The project, backed by long-term local Steve (Shaker) Schikker and business partner Peter Greene, was included in the government’s fast-track approvals list in 2024.

Steve said the proposed development plan honours the intention of the original plans for the site to provide attainable homes for workers and young professionals. 

However, instead of six-bedroom worker-style accommodation as initially proposed, the revised plans bring together a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational components, he said.

“We are responding to a societal shift in how people live, and we’re confident that we have designed a living and lifestyle space with the elements the town needs, such as attainable housing, a childcare centre and more shared community areas,” Steve said.

The medium-density housing development comprises 250 dwellings – including one-, two- and three-bedroom options of terraced houses, apartments and build-for-rent units – at prices starting from $550,000. 

The proposal includes public reserves and “plenty” of parking.

“Affordable housing has long been an issue in Wānaka and it’s our hope that Mt Iron Junction can somewhat help with the rectification of that by offering quality, warm homes that people of all ages and stages can comfortably buy or rent,” Steve said. 

“We’ve also gifted 13 sections to the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust (QLCHT) for them to build on.”  

QLCHT CEO Julie Scott said the development would enable the provision of more affordable housing to be created and held in community ownership in perpetuity.

“We embrace the higher density this development offers, and with this we’ll deliver smaller, smarter, simpler dwellings, in particular to singles, couples and smaller families,” she said. 

“Feedback from our waiting list demonstrates high demand for central locations such as Mt Iron Junction – we look forward to being part of this essential development.”

The development includes one-, two- and three-bedroom options of terraced houses, apartments and build-for-rent units. 

Two public reserves (including a barbecue area, pickleball court, and playground) are proposed as part of the development. 

Commercial activities such as a petrol station (which is already consented), childcare centre, a café and fresh food market are also included in the application. 

Steve said the plan also has “plenty” of vehicle parking for residents, plus 175 additional car parks.

Initial resource consent was sought in November 2018 for a mixed-use development. The proposal went to a hearing in 2020 and was declined by independent commissioners on the basis it was contrary to the objectives and policies of the PDP (Proposed District Pla

Commissioners considered the plan - for rural zoned land - would have “more than minor” adverse effects as it urban development outside the identified urban growth boundary. 

An amended plan was granted consent by the Environment Court in April 2021, before being included in the fast-track approvals list. 

The development also attracted attention when McDonald’s Restaurants NZ proposed a restaurant and drive through at the site in 2023.

Ultimately, independent commissioners turned down the proposal due to ‘more than minor’ adverse effects on the environment.

The developers hope, if the application is approved, work may begin in late 2026.

“We believe the Mt Iron Junction masterplan meets the needs of our growing community, and we’re looking forward to it finally taking shape,” Steve said.

The Mt Iron Junction proposal application has coincided with news of another medium-density development for Wānaka, The Links, which is mooted for Three Parks. 

IMAGES: Supplied