Shotover St Footpath Work

Date:

May 11, 2015

Work to change the alignment of the footpath outside Fergburger on Shotover St will cost more than originally estimated and as a result, the company will pay an ongoing annual contribution for commercial use of the footpath.

Last year the Queenstown Lakes District Council agreed to a proposal from Fergburger to change the alignment of the footpath to provide a clear path for pedestrians, while also making more space for customers to queue for their food. The work includes removing three carparks, drainage, paving, new street seating and new kerbing. It was to have been paid for in full by the company.

QLDC’s General Manager of Infrastructure, Peter Hansby, said that only one tender had been received for the project and the price was significantly more than the $100,000 which had been estimated last year.

As a result, QLDC had negotiated a different arrangement with Fergburger. As well as the $100,000 up front payment that has already been committed, the company will pay an annual sum in accordance with the Council’s Table and Chairs Policy, which provides for restaurants and similar businesses to occupy public spaces for outdoor dining. At present, the payment would be $3500 a year. The policy and fees are due for review.

To enable work to be completed as close as possible to the start of the winter festival, the Council will pay the difference between Fergburger’s $100,000 up-front contribution and the total tender price of $195,000. Mr Hansby said that funds were available to cover the work because some projects which had been budgeted to be done in this financial year had been deferred.