Work is expected to get under way on Kaikōura’s Wakatu Quay project over the next few months.
The Kaikōura District Council has approved the detailed design for the first building on the proposed waterfront development and hopes to have a contractor signed up by the end of July.
A restaurant or hospitality business is being sought for the first building of the waterfront upgrade, which is expected to be a big drawcard for tourists and locals.
Council chief executive Will Doughty said the council the project has already had strong interest and it will be put out for tender this month.
‘‘It is a big step forward. It has gone through a few iterations and a special consultative procedure to get to this point.
‘‘It is another milestone in the programme
and hopefully now we can get into the building
phase.’’
The council received a $10.18 million grant
in 2019 from the Provincial Growth Fund, which is
administered by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and
Employment’s Kānoa - Regional Economic Development and
Investment Unit.
The grant kickstarted the Kaikōura Marine Development Programme, with the council planning a mixed use development with a seafood theme, and a mix of hospitality, local artists, fishing and tourism businesses.
It is hoped the first building will up and
running for the summer of 2025/26.
There has been
significant public input into the design of the project, Mr
Doughty said.
The council chose to take the lead on
the project after consulting with the community last
year.
Architectural practice Warren and Mahoney has been
working with the council on the design.
The council has also been seeking expressions of interest for a tenant to operate in the first building, which will be council owned and is intended for hospitality.