Coronet Village scope being reconsidered

A controversial residential subdivision proposed for the base of Coronet Peak is being reconsidered in response to community concerns.

The ambitious plan to link what would be a new multi-use development with a gondola to the ski area up the hill is one of nine Queenstown Lakes projects to make the central government's list destined for a fast tracked consenting pathway.

Dubbed 'Coronet Village', the project is flagged in government documents to also include a mountain bike facility, a restaurant at the summit of Coronet Peak, a base for local conservation charity Te Tapu o Tāne, a boarding high school, a primary school, and a comprehensive subdivision up to 780 residential units, alongside public roading and wastewater infrastructure.

Schools, a conservation base, a mountain biking hub - an artist's impression of a slice of the proposed Coronet Village (Image: Supplied).

The village proposal has been developed by a consortium that includes Bernard Cleary and Rod Drury, in partnership with Te Tapu o Tāne and NZSki, with Ben Farrell from Cue Environmental managing the planning component.

However in a statement today a distinction within the partners in the consortium is highlighted.

"The key point of this update is to clarify that Bernard Cleary is responsible for managing the housing component on behalf of the owners of 88 Coronet Peak Station Road," the statement says.

"Rod Drury, NZSki, and Te Tapu o Tāne are not involved with the housing element. Their focus remains on the gondola, mountain bike hub, tourism infrastructure, and environmental initiatives within the project.

"Mr Cleary recognises that the idea of high-density housing has raised concerns within the community. In response, he is reviewing the scope and nature of both the housing and commercial elements to ensure the development can better align with local expectations and priorities."

The Malaghans Valley Protection Society thinks Coronet Village appears more like 'a new town' (Image: Supplied).

The statement goes on to assign responsibilities for different components of the project to different players: the gondola, Mr Drury and NZSki are leading the charge; Te Tapu o Tāne base, obviously, sits with Te Tapu o Tāne itself; the summit restaurant and associated loop walk, NZSki; the boarding school, the Liger Leadership Academy; a combined primary and secondary school, Queenstown Grammar, of which Vera Levitskaya is sole director; and the sections for urban development plus car parking and the gondola base, Mr Cleary.

The statement commits the consortium to listening to key concerns and to working with environmental and cultural experts for further consultation as it takes next steps.

It says the original submitted concept masterplan was conceptual and is evolving.

"We acknowledge concerns raised to date from some key stakeholders, including Soho Property Ltd, QEII National Trust and some community members," the statement says.

"The consortium is looking to better align with these key stakeholders and remain committed to open, respectful engagement.

"With the Coronet Village Project now listed under the fast-track process, we will engage with stakeholders to review the proposal and assess feasibility. Our immediate focus is on the gondola and some supporting activities, while we allow time to understand what success looks like for the vision of the project.

"We are committed to transparency and regular communication throughout the process and will keep all stakeholders, including the media, informed as the project progresses."

Main image (Supplied): Coronet Village's gondola base as illustrated in its application to central government for inclusion in the Fast-track Approvals Bill.