Interested in opening a seafood restaurant on Kaikōura’s waterfront?
The Kaikōura District Council is working on the detailed design for the redevelopment of Wakatu Quay and hopes to begin
work soon on its first building, which is intended for hospitality.
Kaikōura Marine Development Programme project manager Chris Sturgeon said the council is keen to hear from developers
interested in constructing the first building.
‘‘We want to seek interest as we come to the completion of detailed design.’’
The council is already seeking expressions of interest for a tenant to operate in the first building, which will be
council owned and is intended for hospitality.An artist’s impression of a restaurant on Kaikōura’s Wakatu Quay. Image supplied by Kaikōura District Council
Detailed design is on track to be completed by the end of May and the council plans to issue a shortlist of
registrations of interest in early June.
‘‘The development will revamp the area once occupied by old commercial fishing buildings that suffered damage in the
2016 earthquake,’’ Mr Sturgeon said.
The council received a $10.18 million grant in 2019 from the Provincial Growth Fund, which is administered by Kānoa -
Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit.An artist’s impression of what the completed redevelopment of Kaikōura’s Wakatu Quay could look like. Image: supplied by Kaikōura District Council
There has been significant public input into the design of the project, with the council taking the lead.
Architectural practice Warren and Mahoney has been working with the council on the design.
Mr Sturgeon said concept images show how the site can be developed over time.
A mixed use development is being with a seafood theme, and a mix of hospitality, local artists, fishing and tourism
businesses.
It is hoped the first building will up and running for the summer of 2025/26.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.