A proposal to build a watersports facility on the Lake Wanaka shore is being met with both support and opposition from groups in the community. The public have until December 10 to make submissions on the proposal. Wanaka reporter Margot Taylor asks Wanaka Watersports Facility Trust chairman Michael Sidey about the project.
Q: Why does Wanaka need a watersports facility?
A: The lake is one of Wanaka's most important recreational and sporting assets.
There are no facilities on the lake shore enabling the growing number of non-motorised recreational users to change and shower, store their equipment (paddleboards, kayaks,rowing skiffs, etc) and personal gear, and at the west end of the lake, go to the toilet.
Q: The Wanaka-Hawea Reserves Trust is arguing the building is too big. What is your response?
A: The Wanaka Watersports Trust has researched the requirements of users and concluded to future-proof the anticipated demand for about the next 20 years this is the size that is required.
Any smaller and there would almost certainly be a need to increase the size in the near future.
This is a facility for all non-motorised water sports, ensuring no further buildings will need to be built to support these activities.
Q: Opponents say the building is ugly. Your response?
A: Architect Alistair Madill's concept drawings have been reviewed twice by the Wanaka urban design panel and both times were considered appropriate for the location.
Members of the public who have viewed the animation of the building on our website (www.wanakawatersports.co.nz) have generally been complimentary.
We are very aware the site is a privileged one and have treated that privilege with total respect.
Q: How will the lakeside walk around Roys Bay be impacted by the building?
A: It will not be affected. Cyclists and walkers can pass between the building and the sequoias, just as they do now, and beach walkers can pass in front along the beach, just as they do now.
The construction of the boardwalk on the lakeside of the building will enable walkers and cyclists to pass in front of the building, along the bank at the edge of the beach, an option that is not readily available at the moment due to the gums, Douglas firs and the uneven terrain.
Q. Why did you decide on this site?
A: We have considered 11 sites in all.
The proposed site achieves all the objectives of the trustees: access to lake, safety for users (rowers in particular, but also children, etc), availability of car parking and visual aesthetics (as per urban design report).
Expert geotech and arborist reports support this location as the preferred one.
Q: What would be wrong with putting it on the showgrounds reserve and installing a pedestrian crossing?
A: Safety and commonsense.
This is a water sports facility and all activities take place on the lake.
It will be accessed by all ages and both able-bodied and disabled people.
Beach-goers with young families will have access to toilets and changing space.
The Wanaka Lakefront Reserves Management Plan has identified this area of the reserve for a building.
Q: Those opposed to the facility say the building will only be a storage shed. Will the facility do more than house water sports equipment? If so, what?
A: Externally there will be two public toilets and changing areas, accessible like any QLDC facility.
These can be used by all members of the public: track walkers, riders, beach users, etc.
There will also be bike racks.
Internally there will be toilets, gear lockers, showers, and an erg gym, all available to the public for a user fee.
Members of the public will also be able to store kayaks, paddleboards, etc for a fee.
Q: How will it be paid for?
A: Through the journey to resource consent we have kept potential funders fully informed as to our objectives and vision.
These institutions have been enthusiastic in their encouragement to complete the process.
We will also be asking the public and local businesses to invest in this community asset.
Q: How much will users pay in annual subscriptions?
A: It is not an easy business case to complete (at this stage) but we have been assisted by other similar facilities around the country to get an idea of expected running costs.
Income will come from the storage of equipment and users of the internal facilities.
We anticipate various user charges depending on length of use and we expect access will be by swipe card.
Q: Will there be enough people willing to pay the subscription to make the building worthwhile?
A: Indications are that there will.
We are more concerned about too much growth.
By incorporating all passive water sports in one building ensures a base of users within Wanaka.
In our view, this will become an essential asset for holiday lake users.
Q: Are you open to working with opponents of the facility to reach a compromise about the location and appearance of the building?
A: This is a community asset, being built on a privileged site within a recreational reserve.
We have been transparent with our thoughts, activities and expert reports since inception.
We have invited the public and affected parties to meet the trustees on site and this has been ongoing.
Ideas and thoughts have been incorporated where appropriate.
Being a community asset, it needs to be what is best for Wanaka and we will continue to work with all interested parties.
Q: What trees are to be removed and will they be replaced?
A: There is a group of 10 trees, predominantly Douglas firs and some eucalypts.
We have had these inspected by a QLDC arborist who advises they do not have great amenity value.
On their felling, they will be replaced by a similar number of kowhai trees.
