The fast-food giant confirmed yesterday it would not appeal the decision to decline a proposal to build a restaurant in the town — a day after saying it was committed to the site.
The decision to decline the proposal for a 445sq m McDonald’s restaurant at the base of Mt Iron came on February 12 and the period for appeals finished yesterday.
The commissioning panel saw that the restaurant's location at the entrance of town near the roundabout connecting Luggate, Albert Town, Queenstown and Wānaka would have more than minor adverse effects on the environment.
At the time, McDonald’s made it clear they would not be giving up on opening a restaurant in Wānaka. However, they did not specify if they planned to appeal to the Environment Court or explore another site.
In a statement earlier this week they said they were still exploring options in relation to the same site.
Yesterday, on the final day for submitters to appeal, spokesman Simon Kenny said they would not be appealing the decision.
"Our intention remains to work constructively through correct processes to open a restaurant in Wānaka,” Mr Kenny said.
When asked whether that meant the restaurant would be looking for another location or persisting on the same site, he said no more details could be shared with the public at this stage.
An alternative location at the Three Parks Junction on Sir Tim Wallis Drive was discussed by submitters during the hearing, but the restaurant was not enthusiastic about the location.
McDonalds did receive an email from Three Parks developer WillowRidge regarding a site on their development, but did not respond.
‘‘We didn’t respond given the timing with the hearing and have not had any communications with Three Parks since then," Mr Kenny said.
