August 18, 2016. For immediate release

Skyline Queenstown lodges consent application for its $60m gondola redevelopment

Skyline Queenstown is a step closer to starting its proposed $60 million gondola redevelopment with its application for resource consent lodged this week.

Coinciding with the consent application, Skyline has today unveiled pictures of what the new iconic complex will look like when complete in 2018.

The application to Queenstown Lakes District Council is publicly-notified and contains details of the extensive work required for the project. The proposed development includes the replacement of its gondola, as well as a major expansion of its upper complex and a brand new lower terminal building.

Skyline Queenstown General Manager Lyndon Thomas says community support for the project has been overwhelming since unveiling plans in June. Public information boards remain on display at the complex and updates are available at www.skylinedevelopment.co.nz.

“We’ve been taking an open consultative approach to this project and we’re in regular contact with affected parties and stakeholders. We’ve been keeping them up-to-date with our plans as they progress,” Thomas says.

“We are very happy with the progress and positivity within the community. Our team is working very hard to ensure that we stay on track for a July 2018 completion of the gondola. It’s pleasing to see that we are getting good feedback from the community, industry, our guests and team members as to how they want to see our offering in the future.”

The proposed development is one of the most significant investments Skyline has made since the current gondola system was installed in 1987 and is driven by accommodating anticipated growth in visitor numbers to Queenstown over the next 30 years.

“We believe the Skyline development is important for the Queenstown community and the future tourism landscape. We know Queenstown’s visitor numbers will accelerate by 2030 and we are dedicated to providing infrastructure that will accommodate this growth. It’s an investment for Skyline, our local community and the tourism industry,” Skyline Enterprises Chairman Mark Quickfall says.

As the tourism company prepares to mark its 50th year of operation in 2017, Skyline’s development project involves: Replacing its existing four-seat gondola system with a 10-seat gondola system; expanding the capacity of its restaurant, Stratosfare, from 330 seats to 650 in a flexible configuration for multiple dining options; expanding the panoramic viewing deck from 68sq m to 430sqm and almost doubling its capacity for conferences and events to cater for up to 1000 delegates in purpose-built facilities.

ENDS

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