An expansive Wānaka resort complex with a hotel, backpackers, townhouses, apartments, a winery and retail units has been publicly notified this week.

If approved, the development on the corner Sir Cliff Skeggs Drive and Sir Tim Wallis Drive in Three Parks will feature 25 apartments and 26 townhouses alongside a range of commercial activities.

The townhouses will be available as private residences or have the option to be managed by the hotel and the apartments are designed to accommodate a mix of residential and visitor accommodation.

“The concept has also been developed as a response to the fast growing Three Parks commercial area and the continuing demand in Wānaka for residential properties,” application documents by developer Willowridge Developments said. 

The proposed development would be located on the corner of Sir Cliff Skeggs Drive and Sir Tim Wallis Drive. PHOTO: Wānaka App

The ‘Mount Iron Resort’ complex was first signalled in May last year but changes to zoning and feedback from council planners have been incorporated into the final proposal, according to the application.

Read more: Resort complex planned for Three Parks

Architectural plans show the scale of the development. IMAGE: Supplied

“The development will establish a range of residential, visitor accommodation and commercial opportunities that will benefit the local community both socially and economically,” the application said.

The five-storey hotel complex will feature 132 hotel rooms plus a restaurant, conference space, pool and day spa and more visitor accommodation will be provided in a three-storey backpackers building with 34 accommodation rooms on the top two levels, plus retail space on the ground floor.

A standalone hospitality or winery premises is also proposed as part of the application and “it is envisaged it will be themed on the region's wine production”.

The applicant has asked for a lapse date of seven years from the date of consent “to enable market conditions to improve and suitable tenants/operators to be found for the various commercial businesses”.

An artist’s impression of the townhouses. IMAGE: Supplied

A representative for Sudima Hotels said it had had “very early discussions” about the potential to be part of Mount Iron Resort. 

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is currently considering the resource consent application.