Prime Minister John Key has been invited to officially open
the historic boat shed and shipping office at Frankton Marina
today after its 12-year $800,000 restoration.
The Wakatipu Community Maritime Preservation Society created
a community maritime heritage hub within the Wakatipu by
restoring to working order the circa-1930s boat shed, which
included a two-boat slipway for repairs and servicing.
The adjacent shipping office, built between 1866 and 1876
near the corner of Hay and Beach Sts, Queenstown, then later
moved to its present site, was also repaired and renovated.
It has become a thriving cafe and bistro under the ownership
of Jane Shaw, who also operated Provisions of Arrowtown in
the village's historic precinct.
The society's efforts were recognised when it won the
Heritage and Environment award in the 2012 TrustPower
Queenstown Lakes District Community Awards.
Chairman Tony Butson said he and society members were ''very
proud'' the prime minister and tourism minister would
officially open the restored boat shed and shipping office.
Mr Butson said he wanted to thank all the contractors,
suppliers and society members who devoted countless hours of
work to finish the project, as well as the community for its
support.
He also thanked the Central Lakes Trust, the Southland
Community Trust, New Zealand Lotteries, First Sovereign and
New Zealand Rail for their contributions.
The opening ceremony begins at the complex on the marina on
at 2.30pm.
Speeches will be made before Mr Key officially opens the
heritage buildings at 3.15pm. Afternoon tea will be available
at 3.30pm.
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