| 3 T T Alexia Anderson New waterfront venue hits the spot Located with uninterrupted views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables, the design intentionally draws the outside in. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Queenstown Wharf Bar Set against the backdrop of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown Wharf Bar is bringing a refined new energy to the town’s waterfront. The premise has undergone a fullscale redevelopment on Steamer Wharf, transforming it into a refined, modern waterfront venue. It involved a complete interior fit-out, including a new commercial kitchen and bar, upgraded services and significant facade improvements. A full elevation of new glazing was installed to strengthen the connection between the venue and its surroundings, ensuring the lakefront position was not just a backdrop, but central to the experience the building offers. General Manager Ben Gilbert says the aim was to create something that stood apart from the traditional waterfront offering. “The vision behind Wharf Bar’s latest development was to create a space that truly captures the energy and beauty of Queenstown, while offering something a little more refined than the traditional waterfront bar.” Located with uninterrupted views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables, the design intentionally draws the outside in. Ben says the aim was to create a venue that felt connected to its surroundings, somewhere people could relax, socialise and “take in one of the best views in the country”. “From the moment guests step inside, the goal was for it to feel vibrant, welcoming and effortless. “We designed the space to blur the line between bar and restaurant, somewhere you can drop in for a drink, stay for share plates or spend the whole afternoon with friends.” Industrial • Commercial • Residential “Quality Solutions delivered on Time” INVERCARGILL QUEENSTOWN DUNEDIN CHRISTCHURCH ENGINEERED MECHANICAL SOLUTIONS ARE Services Ltd - Queenstown 0800 11 00 07 | admin@are-services.co.nz Mechanical Contractor with In-House Design & Drafting Capability PS1 & PS3 Documentation | IQP Compliance High-End Residential | Commercial Developments | Hydronic Heating VRF Systems | AHUs | Kitchen Extraction | BMS Integration Commercial Appliance Service | Preventative Maintenance Programmes That design offers flexibility and is key to Wharf Bar’s identity. “Ultimately, we wanted Wharf Bar to feel like Queenstown’s living room on the lake, a place where locals and visitors naturally gather, whether it’s for a casual drink in the sun, a long lunch overlooking Lake Wakatipu or a lively evening as the lights come up on the waterfront.” The design aimed to encapsulate the fact it was “built for today, carried by what came before”, with subtle references to the area’s heritage immersed throughout. The building draws on the history of the wharf, early trading and tourism using contemporary materials and textures. A standout feature is the glazed gables and facade, which frame the surrounding landscape, while embracing the use of natural light. Installing all those features was no mean feat as they required both precision and resilience, while working in some of Queenstown’s most challenging weather conditions. The exposed waterfront location also required careful coordination, with contractors managing logistics, safety and public access in one of the town’s busiest precincts. The project was led by ABS Facade, supported by a select group of local subcontractors, including Elite Builds QT, Remarkable Plumbing, ARE Services, NIND Electrical and Bar Floors, DOWD Concrete and Plaster, Wildfire Kitchens and ART Tile. “Their contribution was a big part of the final result,” Ben says. “Having skilled local teams involved meant strong attention to detail, better coordination on site and a real sense of pride in the project.”
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