Chamber pulls support for Project Manawa

Queenstown Business Chamber has delivered a pre-Christmas hammer blow to the council's controversial Project Manawa development.

Chamber leaders Sharon Fifield and Angela Spackman say there's not enough "transparent information" for the organisation to endorse proposals put forward for the Stanley Street / Ballarat St blocks.

And given the "far more pressing issues facing Queenstown businesses and ratepayers", they don't feel the multi-million project should now be a priority.

Queenstown Lakes District Council has partnered with Ngāi Tahu Property to advance development plans for the site, which could include $51m new council offices, a library, commercial buildings and a performance and visual arts centre.

It recently launched public consultation on a land swap deal and creating a CCO (council-controlled organisation) holding company with Ngāi Tahu Property.

But the limited scope of the consultation and lack of information has angered some ratepayers, including four former mayors, who collectively wrote to current mayor Glyn Lewers to say they “strongly oppose” plans to build new council offices there.

Now Chamber CEO Sharon Fifield and board chair Angela Spackman have had their say, in a written submission to the public consultation.

They say the Chamber, which represents 600 local businesses including 300 downtown, has long advocated for a conference centre and/or a shared community & event space in the CBD to drive locals, visitors, and business into town.

"However, it is difficult to establish a position on Project Manawa without understanding the long-term costs, alternative options and the feasibility of all options; e.g., are there cost benefits to ratepayers for the proposed location? What alternative locations have been considered? If the Civic Administration offices are not included in the Manawa development, what does this mean for the site, public transport hub and proposed community / event facilities?"

Businesses are in a "far different economic, technological and social environment" than when the project was proposed back in 2017, including the rise of remote working.

Another key concern is the lack of easy access to the town centre "exacerbated by a lack of car parking or an effective public transport system".

The Chamber has requested further information on alternative options, the long term impact and the financial risks.

"In conclusion, the timing of this consultation a week before Christmas and the absence of transparent information means we are unable to support either the land transfer or Joint Venture on behalf of our members.

"CBD businesses have endured enough disruption through the upgrades to the CBD and arterial construction. There are far more pressing issues facing Queenstown businesses and ratepayers."

QLDC recently extended the deadline for the public consultation, which now runs until this Friday, 22 December.

You’ll find all the details and an online submission form on the council's Let's Talk consultation website.