If approved, the clubhouse would be tucked into a scrubby wooded area on a recreation reserve, about 250m from the start of the Millennium Track at Stoney Creek car park.
Club president Dave Varney emphasised yesterday the plans had yet to be scrutinised by the Wanaka Community Board, neighbours would be consulted and resource consent was required.
The plans have been drawn up by club member and architectural designer Nick Blennerhassett, after the club researched and trialled several options.
The club has suggested an alternative building platform on the same reserve, pushed further back from the track.
Lakes Property Services manager Jo Conroy has prepared a report for the community board meeting on Tuesday, in which she outlines the club's research and recommends the board decide which site it prefers and approve a 33-year lease.
The club had consulted board members and harbourmaster Marty Black and, taking into consideration their comments about sharing water space and safety, "it seems a site on the foreshore in front of Tapleys Paddock/Wanaka Station Park would be the most appropriate", Ms Conroy said.
The club had thoroughly investigated sharing space with the Wanaka Yacht and Power Boat Club and the Wanaka Scouts, on the west side of Roys Bay, but those options had been discounted.
During a month-long trial at the scout den at Eely Point, there was too much conflict between powered boats and rowing boats, unsettling novices and leading to capsizes.
Ms Conroy said Mr Black considered that area to be congested due to the designated ski area and because it was on the main route for powered boats travelling to and from the marina.
He had suggested the eastern shore be investigated.
Several sites on the eastern shores were considered, including further along the Millennium Track towards Wanaka Station Park and below Morrows Mead.
Those sites had issues with parking, access and residential amenity.
The preferred site is relatively flat, generally covered by exotic trees such as sycamore, has good beach access and reasonable access from the former Stoney Creek car park.
The trees mitigate the presence of the building, which would be single-level with minor visual impact on houses behind.
There are no services to the site and the club would be responsible for resolving that issue if the board approved the lease, Ms Conroy said.
She also drew the board's attention to the foreshore management plan, which provides a non-motorised zone in the area the club wishes to build, to reduce conflict with more passive lake users.
Structures are not prohibited in the area.
It the board intends to grant a lease, it must be publicly notified for submissions and a hearing, if necessary.
Wanaka Rowing Club
• Founded: May 2007
• Members: 22 competitive, 15 masters, 12 juniors, 35 associates, 40 administrators and sponsors
• Results: 7 national finalists including 1 silver medal and 1 NZ team triallist
• Otago Rowing Centre's top club of the year in May 2010.
• Fleet: 1 eight, 2 fours, 4 pairs, 6 singles, 2 coach boats plus ancillary equipment
