Fast-track consent granted for Queenstown central development

Working with a multidisciplinary team, Sue Simons has obtained resource consents for QT Lakeview Developments Limited to construct the first stage of Lakeview Te Taumata, a billion-dollar Queenstown central development. Consent was approved under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020.

The Lakeview Te Taumata development, supported by Queenstown Lakes District Council, proposes a 10-ha vibrant extension of the existing Queenstown town centre. The project includes the construction of three hotels and housing for 1500 people, offering residential buildings, co-working and co-living spaces, hospitality, and retail spaces. Construction of the project will be phased over seven stages and is estimated to take more than ten years to complete.

Approval for the first stage of the Lakeview Te Taumata development was granted by an expert consenting panel, appointed by the Environmental Protection Authority, on 16 December 2022. This included resource consent for the operation and construction of five buildings - each between nine and 13 storeys in height - providing approximately 370 residential units, retail and commercial premises and associated infrastructure.

The panel’s critical concerns were focused on the proposed buildings' height and associated effects, including character effects. Ultimately, the panel approved the revised proposal to reduce the building heights, integrating the proposal with the surrounding environment. The panel considered the revised proposal better aligned with what was envisaged in the District Plan, rather than what was envisaged in the Lakeview Master Development Plan.

Ultimately the panel considered that stage one of the development alone would have a significant positive effect on the existing Queenstown townscape.  The development would provide much-needed accommodation; create a new and distinctive built-form character within the Lakeview sub-zone; contribute to the creation of visually attractive, safe-feeling public spaces; and reinforce Queenstown as the apex social and economic focal point of activity within the district.

Partner Sue Simons says:

“Being able to assist in obtaining stage one consents for this exciting billion-dollar development in Queenstown through the COVID-19 Fast-track process has been both challenging and rewarding. We are looking forward to seeing this master planned town expansion come to life.”