Skyline Enterprises' $60 million upgrade of its flagship Queenstown operation, the gondola complex on Bob's Peak, announced yesterday, is one of the most significant and challenging projects in the resort's history.
And more more developments at Bob's Peak may be on the horizon.
Skyline Enterprises chairman Mark Quickfall said yesterday the redevelopment was initially pegged as part of the company's long-term plan, but it soon became "more of a short-term urgent plan'' to address capacity issues.
More than 787,000 people travelled in the gondolas during the last financial year.
That number was expected to increase to 1.51 million by 2030.
While the project had been on board papers since 2011, the project management team, led by Peak Projects, had been working "seriously'' on it for 12 months, with a view to future-proofing the gondola and luge operations.
Part of that was taking on board feedback from the public, including the suggestion of a lift to provide easier access to the luge and a children's play area - and also looking ahead to what attractions might be desirable.
One of those was a SkyWalk, Mr Quickfall said.
While it was not part of the present development it "has not been ruled out''.
"We want to do a good job and developing something that will stand the test of time.''
Subject to resource consent, which would probably be publicly notified, it was expected construction at Bob's Peak could begin next April and the new gondola commissioned and the development completed by July or August 2018.
That would include an eight to 12-week shutdown, required because the existing and new gondola lines would cross.
However, Skyline general manager Lyndon Thomas said "80%'' of the gondola line, luge chairlift, redevelopment of the main building and construction of a new, two-storeyed base terminal could be completed before that.
Queenstown architect Michael Wyatt had designed the facilities.
Mr Wyatt said the new terminal building would be a "striking sculptural machine hall'' which would have a transparent ground floor, enabling users to see the cabins moving.
"The building will become a landmark, by virtue of its function and importance to Queenstown,'' he said.
Overall, the development would essentially double the total area of the upper terminal and complex, including a wrap-around 430sq m viewing deck, rather than the present 68sq m platform.
The larger gondola cabins - which will carry mountain bikes inside them, rather than having them hooked on the back - would result in a 172% capacity increase.
"We don't need all of that capacity right now; we're building for 25 to 30 years' time,'' Mr Thomas said.
Meanwhile, the planned removal of trees covering about 1.88ha either side of the company's gondola was "quite separate'' from the new development, Mr Quickfall said.
Last week the council announced trees, some up to 50m tall, would be felled later this year to remove a health and safety threat to the aerial cableway.
The cost of the tree removal was estimated at $600,000, of which Skyline would pay $400,000.
Mr Quickfall said the tree removal was not clearing the way for the development.
"The reality of the situation is, it's quite separate ... It is a health and safety issue.''
The plans
• $60 million capital investment.
• Replacement of Brecon St terminal, to double capacity.
• 34 new 10-seat gondola cabins, increasing capacity by 172%.
• Redevelopment of terminal complex on Bob's Peak to house a new restaurant, conference facilities, cafe and retail operations.
• Existing 68sq m viewing platform extended to 430sq m.
• Two-seat luge chairlift to be replaced by a four-seat chairlift.
