The Queenstown Lakes District Council will this month "test
the market" over the development of a first-class marina at
Frankton, calling for expressions of interest.
Council project manager Ken Gousmett said the council last
tested the market over a "significant" Frankton Marina
development in 2006 and 2009, without success.
The council would evaluate the expressions of interest,
short-list companies and request a preliminary design
proposal.
In August last year Queenstown Marina Developments Ltd was
removed from the job after being unable to meet the
memorandum's conditions, despite considerable investment and
the council extending the deadline several times.
"Council has continued to work on this concept and there
continues to be real interest from the market.
"The time is right to put the project out to the development
community," Mr Gousmett said.
The council was interested in hearing from developers with
marina development experience to undertake the design,
construction and operation of a boat marina, with associated
land-based facilities.
"The location is stunning and the potential is very real," Mr
Gousmett said.
Continued interest in a marina led to the establishment last
year of a council working party to revisit the marina
project.
The council was comfortable there was demand for the facility
and was "open to supporting the right proposal".
Expressions of interest will be called for this weekend with
the closure date March 19.
The development brief will be available from next week online
at www.qldc.govt.nz
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