If Silverlight Studios creates a public path from Wānaka’s outskirts to its proposed film park site it will win the approval of the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust (UCTT), trustee John Wellington says. 

John has made a submission to the expert consenting panel considering Silverlight Studio’s application which requests the provision of such a path be a “formal condition” of the development proceeding.

“The trust believes that the completion of a 2.9km separated and protected shared path along SH6 from Wānaka township to the western boundary of the development would address environmental compensation concerns, safety issues, help mitigate traffic volume challenges and create legacy infrastructure for the Wānaka community...” John said.

Initial conversations with Silverlight Studios and their advisers about the path had been “positive,” a statement from UCTT said.

The proposed shared pathway has gained written support from the Albert Town Community Association, Hāwea Community Association, Luggate Community Association, Mt Barker Residents’ Association, Wānaka Community Board, Upper Clutha Environmental Society and Bike Wānaka.

An artist’s impression of the proposed Silverlight Studios film park. IMAGE: Silverlights Studios

It is also supported by Active Transport Wānaka (ATW), which alongside UCTT has procured a feasibility report that confirms the viability and costs of the pathway.

The recently approved Queenstown Lakes spatial plan envisions an active transport path linking Wānaka, Wānaka Airport and Luggate.

“There’s now an expectation that developers enhance the town’s active transport, both within their development and connecting to the wider network,” ATW representative Simon Telfer said. “It’s all part of the social licence of doing business in our town.”

Active Transport Wānaka representative Simon Telfer said the community now expects developers to “enhance the town’s active transport”. PHOTO: Supplied

John’s application on behalf of the UCTT also requested the formal realignment of two legal roads dissecting the film park site and asked that they maintain a 20m width. 

Silverlight Studios applied to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) for fast-tracked consent to transform farmland near Wānaka Airport into a film park complete with studios, production offices, a film school, and replicas of famous cities, earlier this year.

The application is currently being considered by an expert consenting panel and the UCTT is one of 20 groups and individuals which have made submissions.