Trust Reveals First Stage Of Westhaven Marina Upgrade Plans

The Westhaven Marina Charitable Trust, which will lodge a bid to buy Westhaven Marina from Ports of Auckland in the next few days, is already working on a new vision for the marina.

These include:

* A new sandy beach along part of Westhaven Drive, extending a small existing beach;

* A dramatic new harbour entrance to the eastern entrance of the marina;

* Redevelopment of the former Westend Rowing Club as a base for sail training and sailing generally. The upper floor of the building will be offered to the national sailing organisation, Yachting New Zealand, as a new headquarters.

"We would love to see Yachting New Zealand in a prominent position in the heart of sailing in Auckland," said Trust spokesperson Bill Endean.

"Westhaven is an icon of Auckland and a key centre of sailing excellence for Auckland and New Zealand, and we'd like Yachting New Zealand to be part of that."

"It's important that Westhaven continues as the centre of Auckland and New Zealand yachting and we believe that sailors are best placed to lead that."

"When we own Westhaven we will be happy to sit down with Auckland City Council and ensure that our vision is in accord with their overall waterfront strategy. We'll deliver what the Council wants for Auckland, without ratepayers having to spend a cent."

The Trust now has funding in place for the Westhaven bid. If successful future profits would be used to promote sailing, marine safety and training, and to help take care of the Waitemata Harbour, the Hauraki Gulf and its Islands.

The bid for is led for the Westhaven Marina Charitable Trust by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and has the support of Yachting New Zealand, the Westhaven Marina Users Association and a number of yacht clubs.

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