Four Lakeview site developers make cut
FOUR developers have been shortlisted as moves to create a commercial and residential precinct at Queenstown’s Lakeview site take another leap forward.
In a publicexcluded section of Thursday’s full Queenstown Lakes District Council meeting, councillors approved a report recommending the project progress to the second phase of the procurement process.
The council said it was discussed in private due to ‘‘commercial sensitivity’’.
Twentytwo expressions of interest from a mixture of domestic and international companies were whittled down to a shortlist of four.
Those developers will be required to submit development proposals.
In a statement Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult said the submissions received ‘‘demonstrated strong capability and seemed to fully understand the unique Queenstown context’’.
‘‘I believe that speaks to a potentially very positive outcome for the new Lakeview Precinct and the Queenstown community.
‘‘What we want to see next in the process is a formal design proposal and commer cial offer from each of the selected developers that reflects council’s objectives.’’
A preferred developer will be determined following the evaluation and approval of development proposals.
In October last year councillors unanimously voted to proceed with a recommendation that meant 7.7ha, or about threequarters, of the prime Lakeview land would remain in community ownership.
Of the remaining 4.4ha of commercial land on the site, 3.4ha — 2.7ha under freehold interest and 0.7ha under prepaid leasehold interest — will be made available for development in partnership with the private sector.
The council had proposed building a $60 million convention centre on the site, but it was put on hold due to a $27m funding shortfall.
In November the council notified its intention to lease some of the land to Ngai Tahu Tourism to develop and operate a ‘‘highquality, premium hot pool and day spa facility’’.