Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Jim Boult has applauded Ngāi Tahu Property’s proposed development of the former Wakatipu High School site announced earlier today.

The Gorge Road site is set to contribute to the district’s significant housing challenge by offering more than 300 high-density homes close to the Queenstown CBD.

Mayor Boult was delighted that the vision presented by Ngāi Tahu Property included a much-needed mix of affordable and market housing.

“It’s a really positive move for our community to see development in this location. It will enable people to live and work in the heart of the town affordably without adding more cars to the daily commute,” said Mayor Boult.

“I’m also delighted that this development will be brought to life by Ngāi Tahu Property, who I believe have the appropriate values and commitment to social well-being to do this right.”

Mayor Boult also recognised the support of Central Government in delivering a great result for the town.

“In particular I’d like to acknowledge Minister Twyford for responding to the housing affordability and availability challenges we face across our district. He has actively championed innovative solutions to the needs of our community with his colleagues at Central Government. It’s exactly this sort of outcome that’s very welcome, seeing this important piece of land go to the right purpose,” Mayor Boult added.

In October 2018, Queenstown Lakes District Council and Ngāi Tahu Property jointly announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to explore development options on a Queenstown CBD site to include the delivery of a new Council building along with other contemporary community and civic facilities. Further announcements are anticipated on this in July.

ENDS

© Scoop Media