Arterial route around Queenstown centre and new council building included in master plan

Monday, 10 July 2017

Long-awaited projects are being brought together in a master plan to improve Queenstown's town centre.

An arterial route to bypass the centre, public transport facilities, parking, a new district council building and a 'community heart' are proposed in the Queenstown Lakes District Council's draft town centre master plan, released on Monday.

Mayor Jim Boult​ said the proposed downtown changes would affect Queenstown's future.

The council had had an arterial project, previously known as Inner Links or the Man St bypass, on the drawing board for several years.

Plans for civic offices, an arts centre and transport hub were also renewed for a council-owned site on the corner of Ballarat and Stanley streets.

**READ MORE:

* Queenstown's heavy summer traffic prompts council to release transport summary

* Pedestrian-only Beach St looked like a freedom camping site, Queenstown opposer says

* Pedestrian-only trial for Queenstown's upper Beach St will proceed**

Boult said the master plan was now open for public consultation. He hoped to have the work completed by 2050 with parking, public transport facilities and arterial roads the priorities.

'I would like to see it happen in my time on Earth,' Boult said.

Arterial routes would improve the traffic flow in the town centre.

'You are well aware of the congestion in the down town area . . . and council is now convinced that we need to push ahead with the Inner Links project which will divert traffic around the central part of town,' Boult said.

The route would run through Melbourne St, Thompson St and Man St.

The Queenstown Memorial Centre, which is also home to the Returned Services Association and war memorial, would have to be demolished to make way for the road. 

'Something else would be provided for those affected before it [Memorial Centre] gets demolished.'

The funding for the Inner Links project would require 'significate dialogue' with central government, Boult said.

There would be a public transport hub on Stanley St and public transport would not be limited to buses, he said. 

There would be easy access to the lake for a potential ferry service or a gondola link.

'People should not fence their thinking about buses. There are other options council will consider,' Boult said. 

A new council office, replacing four separate buildings, was included in the plan. 

Council's chief executive Mike Theelen​ said a council-owned site on the corner of Ballarat St and Stanley St was the ideal location.

'This is not locked down but it's an optimal location for us.'

Facilities for visual and performing arts were also proposed on the site.

Boult said independent funding would be needed for planned art spaces.

'Council does not intend to go and spend large millions of dollars of rate payers' money on arts facilities,' he said.

A 'Civic Axis' – a walking connection – from the proposed civic buildings on Ballarat and Stanley streets to the waterfront through Queenstown Mall, was included.

It could also allow expansion of the open space provided at the Village Green. 

The town's recreation ground would be upgraded into a 'multi-functional destination'. 

The council's options included improving walking and cycling tracks, parking redevelopment, and the relocation of sports clubs within the site. 

The proposed projects would enhance the town centre while remaining attractive to visitors and residents, Boult said.

He hoped the plan would generate discussion in town.

'It's a very exciting process and one we think will engender an enormous amount of interest from locals in particular.'

Downtown QT manager Steve Wilde said the plan was formed over two-and-a-half years of discussions.

'We are very very happy with where the things are going,' he said.

The Inner Links was one of the key projects that would unlock the town centre, Wilde said. 

Some funding would be allocated from the council's 10 year plan, while it worked on partnering with stakeholders and seeking alternative funding for certain initiatives.

Full details of the project can be found online at www.qldc.govt.nz/queenstown-town-centre. Public feedback closes on July 31.