Te Kararo Queenstown Gardens Development Plan underway

Stage one of the Te Kararo Queenstown Gardens Development Plan has commenced with the multi-stage project aiming to improve public safety and wayfinding in the area while retaining the passive recreation qualities of the Gardens.

Stage One of Te Kararo Queenstown Gardens is estimated to be complete by the end of October 2021. The total project cost is $845,000.

Queenstown Lakes District Council General Manager Community Services, Dr Thunes Cloete noted that Te Kararo Queenstown Gardens was a significant public space within Queenstown's town centre advising “Queenstown Gardens serves the needs of both residents and visitors, and it's a central, thriving public space and well used by many people for various purposes.

“This Development Plan aims to enhance Te Kararo Queenstown Gardens' connection with the Queenstown town centre, improving both accessibility and how people get around the area, and introducing a number of features which weave the cultural values of mana whenua into the space.”

Work on Stage One starts with upgrades to pathways and lighting just south of the Queenstown Playground and Horne Creek. Other improvements include additional street furniture, new wayfinding signage and some landscaping and planting.

Councillor and Chair of the Community Services Committee, Craig Ferguson looked forward to the completion of the Development Plan which the Committee adopted in April 2018 adding “I’m also looking forward to seeing more locals and visitors relaxing in the peaceful surroundings of the Gardens, savouring the breathtaking views and enjoying the amenity that has been a part of Queenstown’s community since 1887.

“Finally, I’d like to thank the ‘Friends of the Gardens’ for their stewardship and guidance in working with Council on the conception and implementation of this Development Plan.”