Queenstown Marina Developments Ltd (QMDL) general manager Nick Carvel, of Christchurch, was asked to comment following the announcement this week the council had entered into a conditional agreement for the development of the 240-berth complex, the first of its kind, with the Christchurch company.
"We're delighted, naturally. It's been about a year [and] we've been through a fairly exhaustive process," Mr Carvel told the Queenstown Times.
The council originally entered into a memorandum of understanding with QMDL in 2006, which lapsed due to an Environment Court appeal of resource consents.
The council started a new process in September 2009, and sought expressions of interest nationally for the marina development. Four were received, including that of QMDL.
A council working party recommended the council enter into a memorandum of understanding with QMDL, which was approved by the council in October this year.
Mr Carvel said QMDL already had resource consent in place to build the marina but he expected variations would have to be applied after Christmas.
QMDL also had to demonstrate financial capability to the council, which was no different from any other project, Mr Carvel said.
"Assuming council are satisfied [by those two major conditions] by mid-year, they will grant us a lease on that land. Once we have the lease signed, we will apply for the building permits."
Inshore and offshore construction was anticipated to begin in early 2012. The facility should be completed and opened by the end of 2012.
An estimated 50,000cu m of inlet would be filled as foundation for two onshore buildings, measuring 300sq m each, and landscaping.
The buildings on the leased 13,000sq m site were expected to house tenants including the marina manager, a small-scale cafe operation for marina users and visitors, and a public toilet facility.
QMDL was co-operating with Auckland-based Bellingham Marine Ltd on the offshore section, which would feature 200 commercial private berths with unrestricted public access, plus 40 berths available for public lease through the council.
The offshore marina would project between 60m and 70m into Lake Wakatipu.
There would be provision for about 130 car parks at ground level, not underground, as considered four years ago, due to the cost.
The boat shed and its slipways would be protected by breakwaters to be constructed by QMDL, but otherwise not affected, Mr Carvel said.
Issues worked through with QMDL included a test of the proposed lake bed screw anchors and a thorough review of the marine design and landscape elements, Ms Lawson said.
QMDL has two investors in partnership - principal Buzz March, of March Construction Ltd, and Christchurch solicitor Clive Cousins.
