Shaping the future of a blank canvas
Hurunui District Council media release: 12th April 2026
Planning work on the long-term development of the South Block of the former Queen Mary Hospital site in Hanmer Springs is about to commence, marking an important next step in shaping the future use of the land.
The long-term vision for the South Block is for Hurunui District Council to develop a mix of commercial, recreational, and cultural uses over the next twenty years. While there has been limited discussion to date on how these objectives might be achieved, it is now time to begin establishing a comprehensive long-term development plan for the site.
In 2023, Hurunui District Council purchased 9.4 hectares of freehold land from the former Queen Mary Hospital site, known as the South Block. As part of Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura’s agreement associated with the land purchase, it was agreed that a working group would be formed to support the planning process.
The working group will include two representatives from Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura and two district councillors. The appointed councillors are West Ward Councillor Tom Davies who resides in Hanmer Springs, and South Ward Councillor Brett Jones who resides in Amberley.
“Understanding the perspectives and values of Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura is an important part of the planning process,” said Chief Executive Officer Hamish Dobbie.
Council’s Product Development Manager Graeme Abbot ensured the inclusion of the two councillors would ensure strong community input and a broad Hurunui-wide perspective, from which discussions and recommendations of the working group would be reported back to the full Council for consideration and decision-making.
Mayor Marie Black believed it was important to have representation from both within the West Ward and outside the immediate area.
“The working group provides another important opportunity to further develop and strengthen the Council’s relationship with Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura.”
As the planning work progresses, opportunities will be provided for input from the wider community to help inform and shape the long-term development of the site.
Councillor Davies said his appointment to the working group aligns with his views on the future of the South Block, while Councillor Jones was pleased to be part of the group and looked forward to contributing to discussions and exploring potential ideas for the site.
An initial draft concept plan was prepared last year and shared with Council, the Hanmer Springs Community Board, and Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura. Planning has also begun for the demolition of the Rutherford Ward, which is the first of several buildings identified as having no future use.
The working group is expected to meet three times each year as planning work progresses.