The proposed $300m development of the historic Kawarau Falls Station site at Frankton is about to get the final green light from the Queenstown Lakes District Council in the largest non-notified consent ever issued in the district.

CEO Duncan Field said the earthworks consent for the seven hectare lakefront property, being developed by Melview Developments Ltd, was approved by Planning Commissioner David Clarke last week.

The consent for the on site buildings is expected to be issued by next week. The intensive development includes four hotels, a range of private and serviced apartments and associated facilities.

Kawarau Fall Station was originally owned by Queenstown's founder William Rees who established the first buildings on the site in 1864 making it his base for many years. In more recent times the property has operated as a private camp site.

Mr Field said the high density residential zoning which allows for a non-notified comprehensive development on the site was established when the draft district plan was notified in 1995 following a period of public consultation.

"The developer has utilised the zone and matched the proposed development to the site. Everything conforms with the rules of the zone and a lot of intellectual effort has been invested by the developer to achieve that result."  The development represents some of the very best urban design practised in this district.

The earthworks excavation phase requires careful management, particularly in terms of retaining natural rock features, and protecting heritage trees.

"There are conditions in place which call for the rehabilitation of the site if for any reason the proposed development does not proceed", said Mr Field. "In particular heritage trees planted in the 1870s and two historic buildings dating from the William Rees era are being protected to ensure they are retained."

Once the development gets underway access to and from the site will be from the rear of the site on Peninsula Road.

"There will be no construction traffic using the current camping ground access alongside the Kawarau Falls Bridge. It is also anticipated that fill from the site will be dumped at a location south of the bridge which means less use of the bridge by heavy vehicles. We are confident that the developer has covered all the safety issues and any public inconvenience will be minimised."

ENDS

For further information please contact Duncan Field (03) 441 0499.

By: Sarah