Construction and maintenance update
Harbour Bridge Park – Curran Street
Eke Panuku, Auckland Council’s urban regeneration agency, wants to know what you think about its plan to upgrade Harbour Bridge Park in Westhaven.
Its proposing to transform this popular waterfront destination, along Curran Street to the west of the harbour bridge, over the next few years to make it a place where more people can enjoy the views across the Waitematā Harbour and spend time with friends and whānau, as well as providing a key walking and cycling connection between Herne Bay and the city centre, connecting through the Westhaven Promenade. The design will make the most of the location by moving part of Curran Street away from the water’s edge, creating a spacious new waterfront promenade and park. This will make room for new seating, picnic and fishing spots, green space, lighting and improved stormwater treatment through rain gardens. The number of car parks will remain the same.
The redesign, led by Eke Panuku in partnership with mana whenua, recognises the wāhi tapu site (site of significance) of Te Routu o Ureia (reef of Ureia). The renowned taniwha Ureia scratched its back on the protected area of reef that juts out from the headland. The site’s cultural significance will be represented within the landscape design, native planting, Māori mahi toi (Māori art), and signage in both te reo Māori and English.
To find out more, and to provide your feedback, check out the Eke Panuku website. Consultation closes at the end of August. www.ekepanuku.co.nz/westhaven/harbour-bridge-park
Reclamation update
The new reclamation had a period of settlement that was needed due to the area being created using mud-crete – a mixture of sediment dredged from the marina floor and concrete. During this period, designers have been busy planning what the new area will look like, but there have been delays with the project due to the inability to feed power to the gate structure for the new A/AA gates. Options such as placing a generator at the gate entry were considered, however, the cost made this impractical. A temporary connector will now be installed under the boardwalk to feed power to the gate. Works to extend the temporary car park to get it ready for use through the busy boating and racing season will take place by September. The permanent works including the installation of a new transformer will commence in autumn next year.
On the water:
G, H and J pier update
The old G pier has been fully demolished and all the walkway pontoons, saddle pontoons and main spine for the new pier have been assembled and are in the Z pier compound ready to be installed. Like most other industries, the project has been impacted by supply chain issues, such as the lack of timber available to complete the pier installation. We’re looking forward to the project getting back on track soon and would like to thank the customers who have relocated for the works for your ongoing patience.
U pier update
The refurbishment of U pier Is well underway, with the team three quarters of the way down the pier now. Thank you to U pier berth holders who have relocated to other berths while this work is underway.