Developer deal to fast forward Wānaka sports fields

A deal will be entered into with a Wānaka developer that will fast forward the delivery of much-needed sports fields in Wānaka.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council voted unanimously at a full meeting today to partner with Allan Dippie's Willowridge Development Limited to prepare a public site on Ballantyne Road for its new use as a recreational facility.

Willowridge Development owns a property neighbouring 101 Ballantyne Road, once home to now decommissioned wastewater oxidation ponds.

The 20-hectare block of land was in 2021 re-zoned in anticipation of it being utilised to meet demand for more sports and recreation spaces in the area.

The council has now given chief executive Mike Theelen the authority to do a deal with Mr Dippie's company to remediate contaminated ground and complete earthworks to create a flat, grassed site.

In the discussion preceding today's vote, deputy mayor and Wānaka-Upper Clutha ward councillor Quentin Smith said the situation the council found itself in was "unique", and he called the arrangement "mutually beneficial".

"I'm really pleased we've got here...It will potentially save us costs and time in the long run."

The 2024 to 2034 Long Term Plan allocates $5.12 million in year six to begin site investigations and remediation at 101 Ballantyne Road, but it is proposed this now be brought forward for spending starting this year, over three years, as required to progress the development of the site.

"I'm really pleased that this will provide the first stepping stone to unlocking massive...public space for the public good," Councillor Smith said.

"There is very little downside, I want to crack on."

Councillor Lyal Cocks, also from the Wānaka-Upper Clutha ward, echoed the sentiments of the deputy mayor, calling the arrangement a "win-win situation".

He said moving forward with development of the site was a "major milestone" for the Upper Clutha.

The council agreed the contract with Willowridge Developments will remain confidential until completion of the project, but a statement on the nature and timing of the work will be made at an appropriate time.

A report presented to council by sport and recreation manager Simon Battrick ahead of today's decision explains the council was approached by Willowridge Development Limited in June.

"(Willowridge) indicated that it needed to remove approximately 149,000 square metres from the existing development site and suggested that it could provide clean fill for the 101 Ballantyne Road site to create a flat 20 hectare grassed site under a commercial agreement with council."

According to the report the proposed agreement with the developer would enable the remediation and earthworks required to move forward with the future development of the site as a sports hub to happen earlier "as per the Wānaka-Upper Clutha community’s desire, as seen through the recent 2024-34 Long Term Plan submissions".

"(Willowridge) is the physically closest clean fill supplier able to deliver the quantity of fill required, has access to the largest machinery supply in the Upper Clutha and has a track record of developments across the region.

"(Willowridge) can complete the works without accessing public roads thus reducing carbon emissions and has provided a commercial offer that will deliver the project in a shorter timeframe than what council’s 2024-34 LTP has provided."

The proposal has received the approval of the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board.

Main image (Pixabay)