QLDC to seek approval to proceed with Wanaka Masterplan

This Thursday, Queenstown Lakes District Council will be asked to approve an Establishment Report to kick start work on a Wanaka Town Centre Masterplan.

The Establishment Report provides a framework to guide the project, which will include an integrated transport programme business case and Masterplan for Wanaka town centre, working towards defining the future for the CBD.

QLDC General Manager Property & Infrastructure Peter Hansby acknowledged that with the unprecedented growth Wanaka has experienced in recent years it has become clear that a coordinated approach is required to establish a single, holistic and united vision for the future of the town.

“More people are living and working in Wanaka than ever before, and the town is increasingly popular with domestic and international visitors. For several years the community has been observing and experiencing the effects of this growth first hand, in response to this, multiple community and advocacy groups have developed a variety of often conflicting plans and visions for Wanaka. The Council also has a number of plans and strategies that need to be brought together. We aim to provide a cohesive plan that looks towards 2050 and beyond, and is representative of the community’s collective vision,” said Mr Hansby.

The Wanaka Masterplan will focus on how the town centre works and functions looking ahead 30 years, this will include a preferred programme of transport improvements to ensure good access to and around the CBD, local schools and airport, as well as the emerging activity centres in the wider Wanaka urban area such as Three Parks and Northlake.

Whilst the resident population is highly reliant on private vehicles, Wanaka has higher walking and cycling rates than the New Zealand average.

“We know the local residents are really committed to reducing car use and getting on their bikes or walking more frequently. We’ve heard that message very clearly through the 2018-2028 Ten Year Plan submissions. There is definitely potential through the masterplan to make active modes of transport more feasible for local trips in Wanaka, particularly for journeys to school or work,” said Mr Hansby.

QLDC Communications & Engagement Manager Naell Crosby-Roe said that community engagement is a vital aspect of the masterplan process.

“Undertaking timely and effective engagement with local residents, businesses and community groups is a critical element of this project, and we recognise how passionate the Upper Clutha communities are about the future of the town. The team is working on a comprehensive engagement plan to ensure that we hear and support the needs and desires of the local people. If Council approves the recommendation to proceed, you can expect to see QLDC staff out and about in Wanaka keen to talk with the community about the plan in the next few months,” said Mr Crosby-Roe.

If the recommendation is approved the Establishment Report will act as a guide for this process, describing the context and scope of work needed and giving a framework for stakeholder and community engagement.

ENDS

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