The Queenstown Lakes District Council has granted the project resource consent using discretionary powers that mean no hearing is required, developers Roa said in a statement yesterday.
The hospital will be constructed on Sir Tim Wallis Dr at Three Parks, east of Wānaka township.
It would be part of a broader health precinct which would include purpose-built offices for allied medical services such as consulting and treatment rooms, on-site parking, and ground level retail and hospitality outlets.
Roa announced the news yesterday afternoon, hailing the Wānaka Health Precinct as a ‘‘game-changer for the region’’.
The consent is for a five-level surgical hospital and helipad, with four purpose-designed office buildings for allied medical services, and on-site car parking.
Roa chief executive Mike Saegers noted that Wānaka was growing faster than Queenstown.
‘‘We have an abundance of flat developable land and none of the infrastructure challenges overwhelming Queenstown.
‘‘When you combine the unmet demand for regional healthcare services and the space to master plan an entire health precinct from the ground up with the attractiveness of Wānaka as a place to live, work and play in a post-Covid world the opportunities are enormous.’’
The precinct project is a joint venture between Roa and Kā Rūnaka (represented by Puketeraki Ltd and Ōtākou Ltd).
Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki chairman Matapura Ellison welcomed the news on behalf of Kā Rūnaka.
‘‘The critical lack of health and social infrastructure is a significant and growing issue for the people of Wānaka and Central Otago.
‘‘This project is vital to meeting the future needs of this area’s rapidly growing population and we look forward to advancing the project, including the wider interests of mana whenua.’’
Roa said in a previous statement construction of the hospital could start within 15 months of consent being received, with a target opening date of 18-24 months after that.
— Allied Media
