Developer contribution triggers progress, and consent, for new bike trail

From the Queenstown Trails Trust.

An off-road trail from Jacks Point to Frankton has been a long time coming, with Queenstown Trails Trust (QTT) now pleased to announce that its resource consent has been granted for the section between Park Ridge and Kawarau Falls Bridge, with design work to commence immediately.

Connecting with new trail sections being constructed by developers, this trail will link the suburbs of the southern corridor directly to Frankton (and the wider trail network) at the Kawarau Falls bridge with a safe, off-road pedestrian and cycle way; an essential connection to ensure that existing and planned neighbourhoods are developed in the best possible way for our communities.

Estimated to cost in the region of $850,000, QTT has already been granted $313,00 towards construction costs by the Central Lakes Trust, leaving an anticipated fundraising target of just over $530K.

Recognising the urgency of this project, Park Ridge Limited have also stepped in with a grant of $100,000 and further opportunities for additional donations being explored to reduce the funding deficit. With a change in government funding policy for walking and cycling infrastructure, QTT will be reliant on further donations to complete the project.

“It’s deeply gratifying to have Central Lakes Trust, and Park Ridge step up with this initial funding to get us on our way with the project, with the benefits to the community having been recognised by funders and developers” says Mark Williams, CEO of the Queenstown Trails Trust.

“We are also deeply indebted to the numerous landowners who have granted easements to enable the route to pass through their property for the benefit of the wider community, and without whose generosity there would be no trail. This is going to be a vital link for the southern corridor, which has been earmarked for significant further development in the Queenstown Lakes Spatial Plan” adds Williams.

Having already negotiated easement agreements to connect with the developer trails, the route will follow the toe of Deer Park Heights to the stone cottage on SH6 before crossing Peninsula Road, and continuing to the historic Kawarau Falls Bridge, providing connections to Frankton and Queenstown via the existing Queenstown Trail network. The partnership with NZTA has been integral to securing a suitable separated space within the road corridor.

“It’s been a goal for Queenstown Trails to deliver an asset for the community that, not only has been a long time coming, but that will provide safe off-road access for kids to get to school, and for commuters to get to work” says Queenstown Trails Chair, Rosie Hill. “The new trail will provide an alternative mode of transportation and also creates a return connection from the Jacks Point (Lakeside) Trail for the Queenstown Great Ride, closing the loop back to the Kawarau Falls”.

Upgrades to the existing Jacks Point lakeside Trail have already been undertaken in anticipation of improving the appeal of this section of the Queenstown Trail, with new switchbacks and improved trail width and surfacing to improve the trail user experience and create a spectacular scenic loop along the shores of Lake Whakatipu.

The next steps for constructing the route will be progressing detailed design for the alignment and crossing of Peninsula Road.  Once planning and design is completed, the project can go to market for tender, with QTT hopeful that works can commence early next year, pending fundraising targets being achieved.

We have set up a fundraising page specifically for the Jacks Point to Frankton Trail: https://queenstowntrails.org.nz/jacks-point-to-frankton