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Approved

Approval was given last week for t h e grandiose Railway Hotel and village development. The $20 million project got the official nod from the Ohakune Borough Council. It is intended bringing;

out-of-use carriages to the Ohakune Junction to refurbish them for tourist accommodation. Now only red tape in the form of High Court or Planning Tribunal appeals could stand in the way. Ohakune Mayor Mr Bill Taylor fears that commer-

cial interests seeking to protect themselves from competition could hinder the developers. He says protracted proceedings caused by appeals might thwart developers to the point they could take their ideas and their money elsewhere.

In giving its approval subject to several conditions, the council made a clear policy statement about the Railway Hotel project: "The proposed development is unique in New Zealand and this is the only site in the borough where such a development could take place. It makes excellent' use of existing under-utilised resources and is definitely in the public interest."

The five conditions o f approval are: 1. That the development proceed in general conformity with the plans submitted. 2. That detailed plans of proposed landscaping, buildings, parking areas and other facilities be submitted to the Council for approval before any work commenced. 3. That a reserve fund contribution of 0.5% of the cost of the development be paid to the Council. 4. That the developers enter into a bond to guarantee the completion of the proposed refurbishment of each individual carriage or building as it is moved to the site. 5. That any bar facilities provided be included within the main buildings on the north side of the railway track. The proposed village will be built where the Junction shunting yards are now, utilising both existing and relocated buildings. The $20 million dollar development will seek to maintain the uniqueness of the junction area, with upmarket accommodation provided in refurbished carriages and guardsvans, linked by covered walkways with planted areas and parking between. Existing buildings will be upgraded and utilised as apartments, some being fitted for handicapped access. Plans also include the provision of conference facilities to attract business clientele, retail outlets, sauna and spas, an adventure playground, games room and movie facilities. A second stage of development includes the installation of a heated pool, tennis courts, squash court, dance hall and indoor cricket facility. The complex incorporates bars and restaurants with a New Zealand rail theme - in keeping with the overall theme of the 'railway village.' Mr Middleton said the aniqueness of the locality coupled with the area's "unsurpassed" natural facilities make Ohakune the ideal place for such a complex. "Our feasibility studies show that it stands out on its own as a one-off venture," he said. He said, the Ohakune project will be the forerunner in a string of hotels along the Main Trunk Line that KM Developments and Railways in partnership, intend to furbish. "We believe there is great demand for this type of development," he said. Mr Middleton said the development will serve a two-fold purpose. It will remove the present "eyesore" that exists at the Junction by creating something he described as "visually attractive and a fun facility for tourists and local people." The complex will not be solely dependent upon the ski season for its livelihood. Plans he said, include attracting a "different" type of tourist from the company's dealings with Asia, where Mr Middleton said the tourist market is virtually untouched. The complex will provide a year-round attraction to

the area. "It is something quite unique and in everyone's interests." He added that the company would like to have part of the development operating for the 1988 ski season but only for publicity and some accommodation. Restaurants would not be operating this year. Four objections to the proposal were received: 1. T.B and M.E Leggatt (see separate story on page 1). 2. M.L Burgess, on the grounds that the presence of a public bar will degrade Thames Street and the use of carriages as accommodation will further degrade the area. „ ., , , Cont d on back page

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIBUL19880209.2.24.1

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 230, 9 February 1988, Page 8

Word count
Tapeke kupu
678

Approved Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 230, 9 February 1988, Page 8

Approved Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 230, 9 February 1988, Page 8

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