Thursday 25 July 2003

Wynyard Quarter set to celebrate its 2nd birthday

Auckland’s favourite rejuvenated waterfront destination will be getting into celebration mode next weekend to mark its 2nd birthday.
On Saturday 6 August 2011, Wynyard Quarter, the area previously known more for its tank farm and fish market, became a vibrant mix of public spaces and restaurants overnight.
Since then millions of people have visited with 40% of visitors in a recent UMR survey coming down to Wynyard Quarter at least once a fortnight and 75% of visitors confirming they were more than satisfied with the experience.

To celebrate the second year in operation of the newly revitalised spaces, Waterfront Auckland will be putting on free activities for the whole family on Saturday 3 August.
Alongside the activities there will be a chance to learn about plans for the next exciting commercial and residential development for the area in what is currently New Zealand’s largest urban regeneration project outside of Christchurch.

Programme of Activities – Saturday 3 August

7am - Dawn Chorus
Get up early and you will be rewarded. Join Auckland's choral network for a sunrise sing-a-long in Karanga Plaza to welcome in a new day and a new year for Wynyard Quarter.

10am – 2pm Workshops on the Wharf
Dress up and have a go in the Brilliant Birthday Photo Booth or try you circus skills in the circus workshop.

10am - 4pm Boat rides and displays
Take a look inside some beautiful classic yachts on display in Silo Marina.
Across the waterfront a number of local boats will be on display and available for rides.

11am – 2pm Garden to Table Open Day
One of Wynyard Quarter’s newest residents open its doors to the public, see their plans for the future and “dig for gold”.

2pm - 5pm - Lantern Making Workshop
The lantern making workshop has become a tradition of Wynyard Quarter celebrations. Make and decorate your very own lantern, then launch it from the tidal steps at dusk.

2pm – 5pm - Life Buoy throwing competition
How far can you throw a life buoy?

6pm Silo Cinema - Up
Join us for the family friendly movie Up projected on to Silo 7 at 6pm. Bring a rug, your hot water bottle and someone to cuddle up with.
Up is the story of 78-year-old Mr. Fredricksen (and 8 year old stowaway Russell) who sets out to fulfill his lifelong dream to see the Paradise Falls by tying thousands of balloons to his home.

Throughout the day there will be games and activities fitting of a second birthday party, the return of the beloved roving piano and the opportunity to see how the area is shaping up, two years into its development.

For more information go to www.wynyard-quarter.co.nz


Background
Council organisation Waterfront Auckland is responsible for the development of the Wynyard Quarter including what was opened in 2011: Silo Park, the North Wharf bars and eateries, Karanga Plaza, the heritage trams, the Wynyard Crossing Bridge and the new Viaduct Events Centre.

The area has received critical acclaim, winning awards from the New Zealand Property Council and NZ Institute of Architects Awards as well as taking out top honours at a prestigious international competition in Washington up against a number of global waterfront cities.

Over the next 20 years a further 15 hectares of Wynyard Quarter will be transformed into a harbour-side community with parks, apartments, shops and offices alongside the traditional marine and fishing industries.

Works are already underway to transform to gateway roads into the area Daldy and Halsey Streets and development partners are soon to be appointed for the Wynyard Central precinct that consists of office space focused around innovation, residential living earmarked for mixed-use apartments and townhouse developments and a site for an international hotel.

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