By Olivia Caldwell, ODT
The previously proposed McDonald’s restaurant at 237 Wānaka-Luggate Highway, in the shadow of Mt Iron. Photo: Supplied to ODT
McDonald's is back for round two in Wānaka after strong community opposition scuppered its first bid to build a restaurant in the lakeside hotspot.
The chain has applied for a consent to build at Three Parks in Wānaka, after failing with its application to build at the Mount Iron roundabout.
"As previously stated, our intention remains to open a restaurant in Wānaka.
A number of alternative sites presented themselves following the hearing on the Mt Iron resource consent," a spokesperson said.
"We have now lodged a resource consent application for a site in Three Parks, zoned business mixed use. We will now work through the consent process with council. Subject to consent approval we will then confirm a planned opening date."
The application for a 450.4sqm McDonald's restaurant and drive through - located near the BP service station at Three Parks, at 1 Sir Tim Wallis Drive - is currently being vetted by Queenstown Lakes District Council, QLDC confirmed.
The the restaurant and drive-through would operate 24 hours per day, seven days a week - the first of its kind in Wanaka.
The new application is for a six-metre high, single-level restaurant building - with seating for 75 diners.
Signage would include a six-metre high blade sign with an illuminated 'M', and there would be 19 car parks, including two parks within a drive-though lane at the 'grill order'.
Pizza Hut is also looking at sites in Three Parks, although no resource consent has yet been lodged, according to QLDC.
Willowridge director Allan Dippie confirmed he had spoken to both chains. He did not expect any community backlash about fast food outlets coming to town.
"Not particularly , I expect most of the township will be very happy with the location. The overwhelming feedback from the community has been that Three Parks is the most suitable location for McDonalds to locate."
McDonalds had met all of Three Parks' design guidelines.
While there are several cafes and restaurants popping up at Three Parks, it was not a fast food hub, Mr Dippie said.
"There are plenty of fast-food outlets in both the township and at Three Parks. Restaurants and cafes are just one component of our over-all mix of new businesses and tenants."
He said there was a strong possibility both fast food chains would be approved, and added there could be more.
"We have a number of new operators going in, from pizza to sushi to cafes and we expect more enquiries over time."
During the Mt Iron resource consent hearing opponents suggested Three Parks would be a more appropriate option.
Those who opposed the roundabout did not want a fast a fast food restaurant as a gateway to the township.
- Otago Daily Times
