Expressions of interest or nominations for the role of Urban Design panellists for Wanaka and the Wakatipu close this week.

"This will be a key role for both industry professionals and members of the community with an interest in urban design," Queenstown Lakes District Council strategy and planning manager Vicki Jones said.

The Council had advertised for panellists widely and had received more than 25 requests for additional information in the form of a draft terms of reference.

"We have circulated the draft to a wide number of people and hope to receive a good number of either nominations from the professional sector or expressions of interest from the community," Ms Jones said.

In January this year the Council called for comment on a discussion paper, exploring existing shortcomings in the Council's ability to improve the urban design of buildings. In March the Wanaka Community Board resolved to establish an urban design panel, while an urban design forum at Queenstown reached the conclusion that a panel for the Wakatipu would also be acceptable.

The Council was looking for people with expertise, experience or insight in one or some of the following areas: architecture, urban design, landscape architecture and property.

Members will be appointed for a year with the ability to serve for a maximum of three consecutive years.

Nominations and expressions of interest would close at 5pm on Friday (September 10).

ENDS

For further information please contact Vicki Jones 03 441 0499

By: Kiri