The Lakeview development in Queenstown has been referred for fast-track consent. Image / Supplied
The Lakeview development in Queenstown has been referred for fast-track consent. Image / Supplied
A billion-dollar residential, hospitality and retail precinct planned for Queenstown's CBD by a transtasman consortium has been referred for fast-track consent.
Lakeview | Taumata sits on a 10ha terrace above the town and looking across Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.
The mixed-use development, dubbed by locals "Alpine Britomart",will be one of Queenstown's largest-ever construction projects, accommodating up to 1500 people complete with public reserves and a new plaza.
Developers say it will be built using "European-inspired" mass timber construction in place of concrete and steel, making it New Zealand's largest mass timber construction project.
It's now had its first stages referred into the Government's expert consenting panel for consideration under the Fast Track Consenting Act 2020 (FTCA).
Lakeview will be New Zealand's largest mass timber construction project. Image / Supplied
The referral order is an important milestone for the project being developed by the consortium of Ninety-Four Feet, Centuria Capital (formerly Augusta Capital), and Britomart Hospitality Group, together in partnership with Queenstown Lakes District Council.
"We have put together an exciting masterplan for Lakeview and are now sharply focused on bringing the precinct to life," Ninety-Four Feet's NZ general manager Paul Burnaby said.
"The fast-track referral order presents an opportunity to expedite construction, and importantly it takes us a step closer to delivering the many benefits this precinct will offer, including providing employment opportunities and flow on economic benefits, additional residential housing to help address the extreme supply shortage in Queenstown, commercial activities and public open spaces."
The development overlooks the Queenstown CBD and Lake Wakatipu. Image / Supplied
The benefits, as determined by Insight Economics, include a forecast one-off boost to GDP of $930 million and an estimated 595 permanent jobs created during the construction life cycle of the precinct, with the initial stages creating 370 jobs regionally.
Lakeview I Taumata will feature more than 500 apartments, "affordable co-living units", and three hotels.
The first release of residential sales is planned for next year with construction to commence in 2023.
Around 50 per cent of the Lakeview footprint will be dedicated to open spaces for the public, including a unique public podium level providing spectacular views across Lake Wakatipu and beyond.
The ground floor elements will provide a range of retail, commercial services, and hospitality options, extending the footprint of the existing Queenstown CBD.
Lakeview's ground floor will include a range of retail, commercial services, and food and beverage options. Image / Supplied
"We see our investment in Lakeview as a long-term vote of confidence in Queenstown – as the jewel in the crown of New Zealand's beloved tourism industry," said Centuria New Zealand chief executive Mark Francis.
"The plans as proposed for Lakeview will deliver the region an asset of a quality like never before.
"The EPA's fast-track process supports this development and has provided important clarity."
Nick McCaw of Britomart Hospitality Group has been dedicated to designing the retail component for several years.
"Lakeview has now been over three years in the planning for us. We've drawn on our experience in Auckland's Britomart where we participated throughout its growth as a long-term tenant," he said.
The consortium says sustainability is central to the project with "carbon conscious construction methods" using mass timber to be utilised throughout the precinct making Lakeview a leader in sustainable development, while improving the health and wellbeing outcomes of residents.
The NZ Timber Society is supportive of what is to be New Zealand's largest timber project.
"With mass timber as the primary building material, this innovative building will sequester many tons of carbon from the atmosphere, following global trends in sustainable construction," said society president Daniel Moroder.
"This new development will enhance Queenstown while showcasing the use of mass timber to provide a living environment which is both aesthetically pleasing and enhances the wellbeing of residents."
Central to the heart of the project is the involvement of local iwi.
The Lakeview development in Queenstown has been referred for fast-track consent. Image / Supplied
Aukaha, representing local rūnaka, are involved to incorporate Kāi Tahu values. Taumata (the summit) is the name given to Lakeview by mana whenua and captures many of the values of the project.
"It is through the name Taumata that we are able to acknowledge Hakitekura, a significant tipuna of importance to Kāi Tahu iwi and the Wakatipu-wai-Māori area," said Ross Hemera, senior Kāi Tahu artist designer.
Construction contractor Naylor Love chief executive Rick Herd said the development will have a huge positive impact for the Lakes District region.
"If any centre has suffered as a result of the world-wide Covid-19 crisis it has been Queenstown," Herd said.
"The Lakeview project is an anchor for the town that will underpin the sustainability of the construction industry in the Queenstown Lakes District for the medium term, and the overall community and business enterprises beyond that.
"It is a statement of confidence in the long-term position of Queenstown as a world-class tourist destination."
He added: "Don't underestimate how important this project is to reinforce people's confidence in making Queenstown their home, not just a wonderful place to visit."
