New hotel promenade creates an additional walking loop for the waterfront

Friday 29 April 2016

Pedestrians will soon be able to stroll around the entire waterfront edge of the Viaduct Basin thanks to a new promenade being delivered as part of a five star hotel development.

The 100 metre Viaduct Promenade will run along a stretch of waterfront that has been closed off to the public for over 20 years as it formed part of the Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) site and other America’s Cup sailing syndicates prior to that.

With ETNZ having now vacated the site, work is expected to begin in June on the new luxury Park Hyatt Hotel and a promenade which will run along the front water edges of the building.

As well as functioning as a pedestrian and cycle thoroughfare, the 10 metre wide promenade will also have a series of rain gardens and seating opportunities amongst a cluster of pohutukawa trees.

An on-going collaborative design process has been a key feature of the project with local iwi advising on elements which draw upon the area’s Maori heritage.

A new 1300 m² public space along the southern edge of the hotel aligning with the Madden Street upgrade will also be delivered as part of the works with a design that pays historical reference to when the area operated as a log stacking hub in the early 20th century for the timber mills in nearby Freeman’s Bay.

A contribution of $2.5 million for the public realm project is being provided by the developer, Fu Wah International Group, which has a long term lease with Panuku Development Auckland for the hotel development.

Panuku Interim Chief Executive John Dalzell says the new promenade is a welcome addition to the Viaduct and illustrates the public good benefits of private investment in the waterfront.

“Increasing accessibility and public amenity has always been at the forefront of the vision for Wynyard Quarter since its transformation began nearly a decade ago. This new development is a further step in that direction. In addition to providing a new economic stimulus for the area in the form of a five star hotel, it’s great to be able to also open up more of the waterfront for people to enjoy.”

Building is expected to get underway on the promenade in early 2018 – the expected mid-way point for the hotel construction programme.

ENDS

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