The Central Otago District Council has applied to itself for resource consent to construct a visitor and information centre in Murray Tce that breaches the minimum floor area for the business area. It has also sought to remove the "amenity planting" designation on the site.
The council has included $1.3 million in its long-term plan for the project in the coming year.
The existing centre is in the Cromwell mall, but the plan is to build a new facility closer to State Highway 8B so tourists can find it more easily. The project has been deferred several times, mostly because of the cost.
Eight submissions have been received on the consent application - three in support, three opposed and two neutral. The matter will be heard by independent commissioner Denis Nugent, of Wanaka, in Cromwell next week.
Five submitters have aired concerns about the centre selling goods. The consent application said goods offered for sale would include general tourist merchandise and local food, wines and crafts.
Submitter Ian Begg, of Mosgiel, said an information centre should be just that. It should dispense information and promote the mall and Cromwell but should not be involved in retailing.
"The council has no right to establish retail activities in competition with private interests, who struggle just paying their way - and are substantial ratepayers," he said.
" ... the [Cromwell] mall has an oversupply of retail yet the council sees fit to establish even more at ratepayers' expense and compete with ratepayers. Empire building at its worst."
Cromwell businessmen Gary Anderson and Mike Paardekooper both took a neutral stance on the application but sought controls on the centre's retail operations. Mr Anderson suggested no retail be permitted and Mr Paardekooper said no cafe should be allowed in the building and retail should be confined to postcards, maps and other items required by people wanting information.
Shona Rae, who operates Cromwell Mini Golf, near the new information centre site, opposed the application.
An information centre in the Cromwell mall would serve the district well if signs were upgraded and placed near the highway, she said. It was inappropriate for the new centre to sell wine or food as it would compete with existing businesses, she said.
The Cromwell and District Community Trust said it was "excited" to see the design for the new facility and believed it would enhance Cromwell and attract more visitors.
"The main emphasis we would like to see in regard to this project is it getting off the ground with no further delays," trust secretary Janeen Wood said.
Similar comments were expressed by Alan Bennington, of Cromwell, and Jenny Christensen, of Pisa Moorings.
The council's planning consultant, David Whitney, has recommended the commissioner grant consent, subject to conditions.
