Earnslaw Park's 29-year-old toilet block will be demolished
from Monday to make way for a modern 10-unit block and kiosk,
which could house an empanada (South American pasty)
business.
The revamping of the toilet block and Earnslaw Park in
general has been the subject of much debate and consultation,
but Amalgamated Builders Ltd, of Queenstown, has been awarded
the $447,576 contract and will start site preparations on
Monday.
The council accepted the recommendation to approve The
Empanada Kitchen's proposal to occupy and sell pasties from
the soon-to-be-constructed 3sq m kiosk, and has notified the
public.
A hearings panel will be appointed if any submissions are
received.
Queenstown Lakes District Council general manager community
services Paul Wilson said the council would ''be doing all we
can to minimise the disruption and ensure the project is
completed on time for the opening of the Winter Festival in
June''.
Three trees in the immediate vicinity of the toilets would be
removed.
Beach St would remain open during the construction but there
was potential for the road to be closed to allow for the
installation of the 12m-diameter roof.
''We are conscious that it's a popular spot during summer and
plan to fence only the construction zone, leaving the greater
area of turf open to the public,'' Mr Wilson said.
Temporary toilets would be on Earnslaw Park from Monday until
after Easter.
The grass area of Earnslaw Park is scheduled to be renewed
immediately after the Winter Games in August.
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