Second stage of Inner harbour redevelopment finalised

The inner harbour redevelopment is taking shape as phase one nears completion and design plans are finalised for the second stage of construction.

Council today endorsed the final concept plans and approved the release of tenders for phase two, scheduled to be complete in time for the Te Hā 1769 Sestercennial Commemorations and First Encounters events in October next year.

Stage one of the project, which included the redevelopment of Crawford Road and The Works and Soho carparks, will be complete by the end of the month.

The next phase includes a staircase connection to Rakaitane Road, roading upgrade for The Esplanade, a landscaped pedestrian promenade, waterfront redevelopment and a pedestrian connection to the Gladstone Road Bridge. An amenity block is planned for completion in November, in time for the upcoming cruise ship season.

Council has engaged with the community through several long terms plans, including a site at last year’s A+P show, newsletters to 4000 households as well as regular e-newsletter updates to get the project to this point. Consultation with inner harbor stakeholders over recent months has resulted in changes to car parking.

To create a safe, well-lit people promenade and strong pedestrian connections, designed to encourage a community feel, car parks will largely be removed from the waterfront and esplanade space. Parking will be consolidated in locations at The Works and Soho carparks.

The project provides context for Ngati Oneone to tell their stories, with cultural design elements woven throughout, including tukutuku patterning and paving, representing coastal headlands and settlement. Matariki lighting will be installed around the waterfront and a new waharoa (gateway) is planned for the voyaging waka and cruise ship passenger arrivals.

Two trail markers, developed by Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Ngai Tamanuhiri, Ngati Oneone and Rongowhakaata iwi representatives, will be installed this month as part of the Historic Interpretations project.

The project named ‘Tupapa – Our stand. Our story’, will combine digital media on a website and app, with ten trail markers and view shafts to weave together significant sites with the landscape, sea and sky.

Council is contributing $3.7million for the inner harbour redevelopment.

The overall cost of the project is $9.02million, with significant contributions from project partner Eastland Port, as well as the Provincial Growth Fund, Eastland Community Trust and Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment.

ENDS

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