Marina application lodged

Construction and service jobs are expected to be created if a proposed $10 million marina development in Frankton is approved by the Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Lakes Marina Projects Ltd proposes to build a 200-berth marina along with offices, floating sheds and a car park, in two stages, at the end of Sugar Lane, off Frankton Rd.

The first stage is likely to involve the building of 95 berths and all 156 car-parking bays, with the remaining berths added according to demand from boating enthusiasts and the sizes of their vessels.

Company co-director Alan Kirker, of Queenstown, yesterday said he and his fellow company directors Nassar and Iraj Barabi, brothers based in California, knew there would be associated permanent jobs once the so-far unnamed marina was operational.

''It all depends on demand, but we perceive there will be spin-offs with other service industries feeding off it, whether it be boat mechanics, repairers or whatever,'' Mr Kirker said.

''The three of us always believe you've got to share it round, so there's no sense in us saying 'We'll do this' and 'We'll do that' when your business can do it.

''With having that marina there, hopefully other businesses will grow, like KJet will hopefully get more punters coming down there, or a fishing guide might want to operate out of the marina.''

The existing site consists of basic sheltered moorings for small pleasure boats and the Frankton Trail runs parallel to the lakefront.

Commercial sheds line Sugar Lane and the Boat Shed Cafe and Bistro operates in the restored historic buildings, beside Fisherman's Pier, at the end of the lane.

Lakes Marina Projects had the funds to complete construction and work would begin as soon as the applications were approved, Mr Kirker said.

Weather and Lake Wakatipu conditions in May were optimal for building and stage one was likely to take 10 months to finish.

The marina application was lodged on January 31 and was reviewed by the council over five working days.

The proposal is expected to be released for public consultation this week and residents will have 20 working days to lodge their submissions.

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