A solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) car park has been granted resource consent approval by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).

The decision, made on Thursday (January 11) by independent commissioner Paula Costello, gives the green light to the development of 78 car parks in Three Parks with associated charging stations.

The resource consent was lodged by Southern Lakes Property Trust Ltd and Roa Properties Ltd, collectively known as Roa.

Read more: ‘Carbon zero’ development billed for Three Parks

Roa chief executive Mike Saegers said he is not aware of any other such facility in the country.

“We looked at this as a tenant-driven initiative,” he said.

“It is there to charge electric vehicles while they’re parked.”

Mike said as Three Parks grows he expects demand for the service to grow.

The proposed building consists of a structure designed to mount solar panels which also provide some cover and shelter over 40 of the 78 car parks in the centre of the site. 

The total structure will be approximately 716m2 in area and comprise a series of eight solar panels, mounted on an open steel frame structure, up to 5.4 metres in height.

QLDC land development engineer Steve Hewland said the electricity network can feasibly supply enough electricity for the proposal.

The car park will be located off McCormick Street.

Access is to be provided directly off McCormick Street once the street is extended.

“We won’t muck about with our construction documentation,” Mike said. 

“We’ll get building consent when the road is constructed and titles due.”

Mike said while the development is not a fast charge facility some fast chargers will be provided to cater to short-term parking.

“We will provide a facility for someone who wants to visit a cafe to have a fast charge but predominantly it is for office workers or people going there as a destination,” Mike said.

Roa’s resource consent application stated that “by providing a reliable and accessible EV charging infrastructure, the project encourages a shift from traditional vehicles to electric vehicles”. 

“The EV station enhances the site's utility by adding valuable infrastructure that serves the community as EVs become more common.” 

PHOTOS: Supplied