This week's edition of the Queenstown.com Weekly takes a look at how the Coronet Peak upgrades are going, as evidenced by the above image, and one can only imagine the amount of work that is going into making Coronet future proof. We also have the latest information on the Queenstown Aquatic Centre, specifically when it opens and how much it's cost so far. We also have an update on this year's Gay Ski Week, the Kelvin Heights 'Farewell Summer' BBQ, and we announce the establishment of the Board of Trustees for the new Frankton Primary School which aims to open it's doors in 2010.
In October 2007, Nzski.com announced an ambitious $30 million plan that involved not only installing more snow machines, but a complete makeover of the aging Coronet Peak base building. As you can see in the main photo attached to this editorial, it's well underway. Friday marked a major milestone in this multi million dollar construction project with the completion of the roof on the new base building. Scheduled for completion in time for the 2008 winter season, the new building will offer customers expanded service areas downstairs and new cafe, bar, restaurant, function and creche areas opening onto a massive new deck upstairs.
Also well under way is the $18.1 million Queenstown Aquatic Centre, and it was announced yesterday that the pool will be open for business on Saturday the 31st of May. There is an opportunity to observe the finishing touches on the interior of the building through a purpose viewing window in the foyer of the Events Centre.
Moving on, the Southern Hemisphere's biggest gay and lesbian alpine party is set to reach new heights this year. In a world first, attendees are 'Fag Tagging' an Air New Zealand flight from Sydney to Queenstown for the sixth annual Gay Ski Week NZ. That means a normally 'straight' airline flight will be 'tagged' gay by an influx of gay revellers bound for Queenstown. Organiser Mike Sanford points out that Gay Ski Week NZ isn't limited to skiers or snowboarders.
"The 'Ski' in Ski Week is used in the loosest possible terms. Skiers and non-skiers come for the fun and Queenstown's famous activities while the snow lovers amongst us board the pink bus most days for a trip to the slopes. It's a fabulous time of year and gay friendly Queenstown with its hundred bars and restaurants is perfect for the event."
Kelvin Peninsula Community Association is holding a 'salute to summer' locals' BBQ to mark the end of daylight saving next weekend (April 5) at Bayview Marina.
"We thought it would be a great way for locals to farewell what has been a superb summer," said KPCA chairman David Finlin.
He said all peninsula residents were welcome to the barbecue, from 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 5. Poor weather would see it postponed until the same time on Sunday. KPCA will provide the BBQs, sausages, sauce and bread.
The Establishment Board of Trustees appointed by the Ministry of Education to guide the development of the new Frankton Primary School has commenced work toward the opening of the new school in time for the first term of 2010. The Board is comprised of Chris Cerecke, Darren Rewi, John Stalker, Judy Sim and Roy Thompson (Chair). Thompson say's the Board is highly energized by the relatively short timeframe of the project and that their immediate priority is to develop the vision and charter for the school, reflecting the community's requirements, which will in turn guide the design of the school and development of the curriculum.
The school is being built on land bordered by Lake Avenue and Allan Crescent and site works are expected to commence early 2009. The Board is in the process of finalizing a communication plan, including an information website, to ensure full and open communication between itself and interested community members, information on which will be notified shortly.
And that brings this week's edition to a close and continuing the pattern of signing off with a question, this week I ask "Has the town been taken out of Queenstown?"
Nathan - Queenstown.com Editor.
