Councillors to Consider Development Options for Community Precinct

Options for developing the Queenstown CBD community precinct are on the agenda for Queenstown Lakes District Councillors at their meeting this Thursday, 27 June.

The report being presented by QLDC Strategic Projects Manager Paul Speedy recommends entering into a Partnership Agreement with Ngāi Tahu Property as the preferred option. This option expands the original Council vision for a new Council building on the Stanley Street site which was consulted on as part of the 2018-2028 Ten Year Plan, to include a wider range of community facilities.

Mayor Jim Boult was excited by the Ngāi Tahu Property proposition which takes a “community precinct” approach with the intended development expected to realise a new dedicated library, a performing and visual arts centre, a town square, and commercial buildings, as well as the Council’s “one-office” administration building.

“Recent research has shown that people feel we need a step change in what this district has to offer for arts and cultural activities. What this proposed partnership can deliver has the potential to be a game changer. It was originally a strong case to build the new Council office on the site. Now I think this bigger vision is a compelling no-brainer. This partnership can give us the opportunity to create a cultural and community heart for the communities of Queenstown and the wider district,” said Mayor Boult.

QLDC Chief Executive Officer Mike Theelen confirmed that the report recommends the Partnership Agreement with Ngāi Tahu Property over other options because of the mutual benefit this presents for both parties, as well as the benefits to the district and its communities.

“In particular, the vision for the site delivers a range of exciting facilities for the arts community. Formalising the partnership has the potential to unlock more of the site for community assets and takes a longer term, intergenerational approach to the development that is one of the benefits that comes from working with Ngāi Tahu Property. QLDC can realise freehold land whilst retaining community ownership.”

“The partnership also has the potential to mitigate risk and development costs for QLDC, whilst giving us the opportunity to work with a reputable and respected developer,” said Mr Theelen.

Ngāi Tahu Property welcomed the opportunity to build on preliminary discussions following last year’s memorandum of understanding to develop a partnership agreement to deliver facilities for the whole Tāhuna-Queenstown community, Chief Executive David Kennedy said.

“We look forward to formalising our partnership with the Council to develop a new civic, community and cultural heart which will serve Queenstown’s residents for generations to come.”

If the Partnership Agreement is approved by Councillors, QLDC and NTP will work towards a Development Agreement and explore a site development plan. Importantly, the development will be aligned with key strategies and plans such as the Queenstown Town Centre Masterplan, Vision Beyond 2050 and the 2018-2028 Ten Year Plan, as well as considering recommendations from the Central Lakes Cultural Trust Cultural Masterplan.

“To realise the potential of the site there are a number of technical processes we need to undertake if given Council approval. These include changes to land designations for Ballarat Street and changes to reserve land within the site,” added Mr Theelen.

If given the go-ahead by Councillors, the QLDC / Ngāi Tahu Property partnership will commence community and stakeholder consultation and engagement for the potential community and cultural facilities planned for the site. Council officers will undertake detailed discussions with any affected parties on the site, to ensure ongoing support in transitioning to a new location during the phased development of the proposed precinct.

Dates for consultation will be confirmed as the Development Agreement and a programme plan defined.

The report can be found as part of the Council meeting agenda here: https://www.qldc.govt.nz/council-online/council-documents/agendas-and-minutes/full-council-agendas/2019-full-council-agenda/27-june-2019/

ENDS.

Media contact: communications@qldc.govt.nz or call 03 441 1802.

The potential partnership between QLDC and Ngāi Tahu Property was initially signalled through the notification of a Memorandum of Understanding in October 2018: https://www.qldc.govt.nz/news/show/2000/options-for-a-joint-partnership-to-cbd-council-development-to-be-explored/

Developing a new Council office was consulted on as part of the 2018-2028 Ten Year Plan, and the outcome was detailed in the decisions summary document (page 4): https://www.qldc.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/QLDC-10-Year-Plan-2018-2028-Response-Summary-Jun18-v5.pdf