Feedback Sought On Potential Conference Centre

The steering group tasked with investigating the feasibility of a conference centre in Queenstown is seeking feedback on what such a facility could look like.

Mayor Vanessa van Uden said the group had done extensive research into what local and international event organisers required and this had allowed them to shape a brief that was now being released in order for interested parties to have their say.

“The brief outlines some of the requirements for a potential conference centre and is heavily informed by what we’ve been told will attract conferences here and what we’ve observed works successfully elsewhere, “she said.

“We’re interested in hearing other people’s concepts and ideas for this project including potential locations, sources of funding and planning considerations. The preference is for a central Queenstown location but at this stage in the process, the discussion is not being limited to any one area.”

There was also the possibility that Council owned land could be utilised and people were free to suggest these as potential sites.

“A conference centre has the potential to become a valuable driver of the Queenstown economy, helping to flatten out the peaks and troughs of seasonal tourism demand, “Mayor van Uden said.

“We know that there are many people in the community with excellent ideas on the ‘what, where and how” of the project and we’re looking forward to adding those ideas to the mix.”

The Conference Centre brief is available from QLDC offices and can also be downloaded at www.qldc.govt.nz

Feedback can be made via mail or email, with the feedback period closing at 4.30pm on Friday 14 October.