The Vincent Community Board will decide next week whether to pay up to $25,000 for half the estimated cost of the business case for the Alexandra Miners Village and Riverside Park, and whether to maintain its green areas, should the project proceed.
The proposal is for a small village of replica buildings and relics of the goldmining era on vacant land beside the Criterion Hotel, in Tarbert St. The location is the site of a former campsite used by goldminers in the 1860s.
The proposal includes the construction of a terraced park and moorings across the road from the village, on rough land which lines the Clutha River.
The idea was pitched by locals Rory and Karen McLellan in 2010, but faded until Mr McLellan convened a public evening walkabout of the area and presented the concept plans in March last year.
A council report described the project as an "interactive, educational and dynamic area and experience to be enjoyed by all ages".
It would be a multipurpose facility that would support food and tourist-related commercial businesses, services and amenities, the report said.
"Both the riverside park and mooring would have a natural and complementary synergy with the proposed redevelopment of the old Alexandra suspension bridge," the report said.
Potential flood damage would be addressed and minimised in the design and construction of both the park and moorings.
The Central Lakes Trust encouraged the project instigators to look beyond the project establishment and capital costs to the ways it could ensure long-term financial sustainability. Examples included the lease of buildings in the precinct for commercial ventures and opportunities for other income streams to help maintain the precinct, amenities and contribute to operational costs.
The trust recommended it seek support from the board to create a business case.
