Hanmer's proposed adrenaline ride still in limbo
There is hope a proposed Hanmer Springs flyride will still go ahead, despite a three-year delay and rising costs.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa was granted a consent three years ago to install and operate the gravity-based ride on the western face of Conical Hill Reserve.
But the decision was appealed by The Friends of Conical Hill Incorporated due to concerns around the visual impact on the area, as well as traffic congestion, noise and the risk of fire.
The project was finally given the green light by the Environment Court late last year, but Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said there are still a few bumps in the road.
''We are working on it, but we need to re-evaluate the project and the financials to make sure it still stacks up.
''Five-years have gone by since we started this project, so we need to re-look at it and bring a business case back to the council.''
When it was first proposed, the attraction was expected to create 23 jobs and inject $4 million into the local economy in its first five years of operation.
Mr Dobbie said the cost was originally estimated at $2.7m, with the council receiving $2m from the Government's Shovel Ready fund in 2020.
''There has been cost escalations, and the technology has changed.
''And the market has changed. It was pre-Covid when the project started, so we need to redo the whole business case.''
Despite the challenges, Mr Dobbie said he is optimistic the project can go ahead - if the numbers stack up.
''There hasn't been a lot of new tourism products created in the last five years, and my firm belief is there needs to be some more.''
Staff are expected to report back to the council later in the year.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa is owned by the Hurunui District Council.
By David Hill, Local Democracy
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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