Parkburn, currently a quarry located near Pisa Moorings off State Highway 6 (SH6), is set to be transformed into a residential community by quarry owner Fulton Hogan. The development will also include smaller commercial and industrial areas.
Spanning 118 hectares, the site will allocate 91 hectares for residential use, 3 hectares for business or retail purposes, and 24 hectares for industrial development. The plan includes a maximum of 543 residential lots.
Fulton Hogan has not disclosed a timeline for the closure of the quarry and the commencement of the development. The project necessitates a private district plan change (Plan Change 21) to rezone the land.
Ann Rogers, the principal policy planner at Central Otago District Council, is recommending that the council approves the plan change at the upcoming meeting based on the suggestion of an independent hearings panel.
During the hearing in February, Fulton Hogan presented its proposal to convert the Parkburn quarry into a residential settlement with 543 lots, along with a retail area and industrial zone. Council consultant planner Liz White highlighted that the proposal aimed to rehabilitate an existing quarry, distinguishing it from developments on productive land.
While concerns have been raised by the Education Ministry and NZ Transport Agency regarding population growth, school rolls, traffic flow, and private vehicle use, White argued that the development aligns with the existing urban area of Pisa Moorings.
The site’s accessibility from SH6 and a nearby cycle trail along Lake Dunstan are noted advantages. Despite the reliance on private vehicles due to the lack of public transport, the development is seen as an extension of the current urban area rather than a new establishment.
The Parkburn development signifies a potential transformation of the area, offering new residential opportunities amidst the picturesque landscape of Lake Dunstan.
