That prospect remains on the agenda for Wanaka unless two factions pushing separate proposals can find common ground.
The Wanaka Community House Trust has its resource consent application for a community house in McDougall St in front of independent commissioners, but has some difficult parking issues to resolve before it is likely to get a decision.
Meanwhile, the Alpine Community Development Trust, which provides many of Wanaka's social services through its Community Networks organisation, is attempting to garner support for a community house nearer the centre of town, possibly on the soon-to-be-vacant site of the Wanaka Volunteer Fire Brigade, in Ardmore St.
It submitted an objection to the McDougall St site, saying it was too far from the town centre, although it did not rule out being a tenant.
In the latest development, Margaret West has been elected chairwoman of the Alpine trust, replacing Graham Berry, and has written to the Wanaka Community Board supporting the fire station idea.
In her letter to Wednesday's board meeting, Ms West said her trust's Community Networks organisation housed staff, volunteers, food bank, government agencies and community groups in a Brownston St building, with rent paid by the Queenstown Lakes District Council.
She described it as a ‘‘central location that our clients and visitors can easily access.
"Walking in off the street for free advice, information, and services is a valuable aspect of what we provide.''
Ms West went on to inquire about the prospect of a council "civic centre'' containing a community house.
"This is an exciting prospect to build on what is already in place, with the idea of council offices, library, town hall, and a community house all connected and accessible.
"We are very interested in the development of this concept, and would like to ask the Wanaka Community Board from your perspective, what are the current thoughts, timeframes, and feasibility of this project?
"We understand this may not be a fully formed concept, but do recall that during town centre strategy discussions in 2009 the community agreed that a civic centre would be a useful concept to pursue.
"With the upcoming vacancy of the existing fire station, this seems an opportune time to revisit the concept.''
Community board member Calum MacLeod suggested the board not call for reports on the civic centre proposal until the community house's resource consent hearing was completed.
He understood the Fire Service would dispose of the fire station site and was not interested in a land swap with the council.
Community board member Bryan Lloyd expressed the hope a change of leadership at the Alpine trust "might hopefully lead to a closer understanding between trust and community house [trust]''
"It is a great shame to me the two groups couldn't work more closely together for the good of the community.''
