Wanaka's overcrowded police station could be retired from duty soon if Police National Headquarters approves a long-awaited new station for the town this month.
Three years ago, treasury approved a $44.5 million proposal for five new police building projects around New Zealand, including a new Wanaka station.
The Wanaka station proposal will be considered by a police property advisory group at a meeting scheduled for later this month.
Senior Sergeant Allan Grindell said planning for the project was now "well under way", Aa project manager and design team had been appointed and concept plans were well advanced.
The intention is to build the new station on a site in Ballantyne Rd below the Department of Conservation (Doc) building.
"This is subject to Police National Headquarters' approval of the project and funding and to the land procurement process being completed," Snr Sgt Grindell said.
The National Property Office of the New Zealand Police is negotiating with land owner Doc to buy the site.
"A resource consent will be required and we expect to be able to lodge an application within the next month or so, again subject to Police National Headquarters approval."
Wanaka has 15 sworn officers working from the station in Helwick St.
Snr Sgt Grindell believed the station was built in the mid-1970s, when Wanaka had just one officer. The building had been added to considerably during the years, to accommodate the growing police staff.
