Wānaka Hospital Project Secures $300 Million Approval

A new hospital project in Wānaka has been officially approved, following the green light from the Queenstown Lakes District Council. The ambitious plan involves a $300 million investment in a facility featuring four operating theatres and a 24-hour emergency department. Developers, Roa, announced that the project received resource consent without the need for a public hearing, utilizing discretionary powers inherent to the council.

Located on Sir Tim Wallis Drive at Three Parks, east of the Wānaka township, the hospital will form part of a larger health precinct. This precinct is designed to include purpose-built offices for allied medical services, such as consulting and treatment rooms, as well as on-site parking and retail and hospitality outlets on the ground level.

Roa characterized the Wānaka Health Precinct as a significant advancement for the region. The consent permits the construction of a five-level surgical hospital, complete with a helipad and four specially designed office buildings for allied medical services. Additionally, the site will feature ample car parking facilities.

Roa’s statement highlighted the advantages of Wānaka as a location, noting, “We have an abundance of flat developable land and none of the infrastructure challenges overwhelming Queenstown.” The statement emphasized the unmet demand for regional healthcare services, the opportunity for comprehensive planning of a health precinct, and the attractiveness of Wānaka as a desirable place to live and work in a post-Covid environment.

The project is a joint venture between Roa and Kā Rūnaka, represented by Puketeraki Ltd and Ōtākou Ltd. Matapura Ellison, Chair of Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, expressed support for the initiative, stating, “This project is vital to meeting the future needs of this area’s rapidly growing population.”

In terms of timeline, Roa indicated that construction could commence within 15 months following the approval of consent. The hospital is expected to open its doors 18 to 24 months thereafter. This development is poised to play a crucial role in enhancing healthcare services in the Wānaka region, addressing the growing needs of the community.