Auckland waterfront 2040

Wynyard Quarter

Vision | Urban design concepts | The journey | Timeline | The name

The journey - experience Wynyard Point's potential

Wynyard Point has the potential to provide a flow of different experiences for workers, residents and visitors to the area.

Wynyard Point's mix of marine activities in a location so close to the CBD makes it a unique part of the city where people can get to the water's edge and enjoy the action of a working waterfront.

In the future, Wynyard Point could offer a journey of different experiences from parks, events, jetties for fishing, markets and shops to watching fishing boats, cruise liners and super yachts.

There are also several issues to think about before the area is rezoned, like the balance of open space and development and possible transport solutions.

Te Wero bridge

Entry to Wynyard Point from the CBD could start by crossing the Te Wero bridge, connecting Viaduct Harbour with Wynyard Point.

This could be an iconic opening bridge for pedestrians and public transport allowing boats access in and out of the Viaduct Harbour.

Marine events precinct

The marine events precinct could be the venue for the city's great waterfront events, with land-based facilities, berthage, water access and the calm water of the Viaduct Harbour.

Jellicoe Street hub, fishing and seaside promenades

The events precinct could link to the hub of Wynyard Point ten minutes from the CBD. It could be a great area for people to get to the water, visit fish and fresh produce markets, take part in public activities, enjoy local cafes and bars, with areas to sit, relax and enjoy the magnificent northerly views to North Head and Rangitoto Island beyond.

Harbour and wharf space is needed in this precinct for fishing operations to continue which, in itself, could add to the attractions of the precinct.

Approximately two kilometres of promenades could continue around the edge of Wynyard Wharf where people can see the working waterfront in action. Auckland City's long-term goal is to link the waterfront promenades with Westhaven Marina.

Open space

Due to the land's industrial nature, Wynyard Point currently has no public open space and no quality esplanade areas where people can enjoy the sea.

New development will require enhanced public access and quality open space for new residents and occupants.

Given its accessible CBD location, Wynyard Point also has the potential to provide the wider city with a diverse range of open space experiences, such as the parks and esplanade reserves.

The northern park

A large park on the peninsula could be a citywide asset with magnificent views, a connection to the water's edge and enough space for many different kinds of activities. A public building or artwork could be located in this vicinity maximising its unique location.

The linking park

The long, narrow park along the length of the peninsula could link Victoria Park to the new park at the tip of the point. It could be a tree-lined boulevard punctuated with smaller open spaces.

It could be a pedestrian focussed street and an attractive setting for surrounding businesses and residents.

The central park

A central park on Daldy Street could be a focal point for local residents and workers linked to Victoria Park a green boulevard.

This should be at least half a hectare (about the size of a rugby field).

The western edge

Esplanade reserves from the northern point along the magical western edge of Wynyard Point could enable people to enjoy some of the benefits of the westerly aspect:

• evening sun and sunsets
• panoramic views of Westhaven Marina, the Harbour Bridge and the upper Waitemata Harbour.

Given the area's predominant westerly winds, larger open spaces in this area may not be practical.

The scale and location of the maritime industry

Located along the western edge of Wynyard Point the marine industry precinct could provide the 'shop front' location of this important regional industry.

Further south, people could then be able to enjoy the working maritime industry along the western edge, from watching boat building and boat maintenance to mast stepping and other intriguing related activities.

The extent of marine industry on the edge and/or in a more central location is an issue for further debate. A central element of the decision-making will be whether an alternative location can be found within the Auckland region for the current 1500 tonne slipways to service the marine, fishing and ferry fleet.

Transport solutions

Access to Wynyard Point is a key challenge because the area is constrained by limited entry points on Fanshawe Street.

Transport solutions must have a strong focus on enabling walking, cycling and passenger transport options to encourage people to use alternatives to private cars. Solutions must also address the likely increase in vehicles, including buses, wanting to get in and out of the Wynyard Point onto Fanshawe Street.

To provide access for workers, residents and visitors, new dedicated public transport services connecting Wynyard Point to Britomart and the rest of Auckland are needed. The Te Wero bridge that caters for passenger transport and cycling and walking would be a key connection to Britomart and the centre of the CBD.

Changes must occur on Fanshawe Street as it will still be the key access point into the for buses, trucks and cars.

Auckland City is working with key stakeholders and Transit New Zealand to assess what changes are possible. Changes that are currently being explored included an underpass under Halsey Street, a one-way system around Victoria Park, new intersections along Fanshawe Street and pedestrian overbridges.

Building heights

Several options have been explored to determine the height of buildings that suit the area and Wynyard Point's prime location on the waters' edge, close to the CBD.

Wynyard Point's large land area of 35 hectares means that it is appropriate to allow some taller buildings south of Jellicoe Street, while maintaining important views to the volcanic cones and surrounds.

Two separate approaches to development on Wynyard Point have been identified:

• the area to the south of Jellicoe Street is envisaged for mixed-use development (ie commercial, retail, residential) with a spine of 10-16 storeys along Daldy Street, stepping down to buildings of around 4-6 storeys high at the waters edge
• the area north of Jellicoe Street, as a headland, in the foreground of the CBD will have a lower scale of development, ie buildings of 4-6 storeys.

Funding

Auckland City wants to focus its resources on providing high quality public spaces and infrastructure. There needs to be a balance struck between the level of public space the council provides and the cost to ratepayers.

Auckland City proposes that most of the cost of public infrastructure, such as parks and transport services, are funded through the development itself, such as residential buildings. But it is likely that some ratepayer contribution could be needed.

If consultation reveals the public desire more open space than is outlined in the current proposals, there could be a significant increase in the cost to ratepayers and a greater amount of development, such as taller tower blocks on some parts of the point.

Environment

Hazardous facilities have been located on Wynyard Point since the early 1920s.

How these are relocated needs to be agreed before new activities can occur. The transition of hazardous bulk liquids from the area, and remediation of contaminated land to the best extent possible, needs to be completed before development work starts.

New development has the potential to be a model for environmental sustainability in New Zealand by using the latest technology for improved stormwater management and energy efficiency.