Prime Minister John Key has been invited to officially open the historic boat shed and shipping office at Frankton Marina today after its 12-year $800,000 restoration.
The Wakatipu Community Maritime Preservation Society created a community maritime heritage hub within the Wakatipu by restoring to working order the circa-1930s boat shed, which included a two-boat slipway for repairs and servicing.
The adjacent shipping office, built between 1866 and 1876 near the corner of Hay and Beach Sts, Queenstown, then later moved to its present site, was also repaired and renovated.
It has become a thriving cafe and bistro under the ownership of Jane Shaw, who also operated Provisions of Arrowtown in the village's historic precinct.
The society's efforts were recognised when it won the Heritage and Environment award in the 2012 TrustPower Queenstown Lakes District Community Awards.
Chairman Tony Butson said he and society members were ''very proud'' the prime minister and tourism minister would officially open the restored boat shed and shipping office.
Mr Butson said he wanted to thank all the contractors, suppliers and society members who devoted countless hours of work to finish the project, as well as the community for its support.
He also thanked the Central Lakes Trust, the Southland Community Trust, New Zealand Lotteries, First Sovereign and New Zealand Rail for their contributions.
The opening ceremony begins at the complex on the marina on at 2.30pm.
Speeches will be made before Mr Key officially opens the heritage buildings at 3.15pm. Afternoon tea will be available at 3.30pm.
