Media release
4 November 2002

New Half Moon Bay Ferry Terminal Design Released

Detailed design plans for the new Half Moon Bay ferry terminal and pier in Buckland's Beach include a combined facility for both ferry operators, Subritzky's and Fuller's.

The plans have been drawn up jointly by Manukau City Council and ARTNL Harbour Berths and include new toilets, offices, a refreshment bar area and a public jetty for launching boats. This jetty is to be built near the current Sea Scouts building, which is to be removed, and the Sea Scouts relocated to Farm Cove.

There will be covered walkways to the ferries so that passengers are under cover once they leave the carpark and not exposed to the elements after entering the ferry building.

No final decisions have yet been taken on how to improve parking. The council is still examining a range of options which include better management of current spaces, introducing charges and reducing demand by means such as encouraging ferry users to take buses rather than their cars. On weekdays the parking facilities are generally adequate but there is much more demand for parking on weekends and that demand is expected to grow.

Applications for resource consents for the project have been lodged and it's expected there may be some changes to the design during that process. The new terminal is due to open in September/October next year.

The $4 million Half Moon Bay project is part of a comprehensive improvement and upgrade of the entire ferry system on the Waitemata announced earlier this year, and linked to improved bus services. The aim is to provide a better public transport service and encourage more people to use ferries as a way of cutting congestion on roads.

The upgrade is costing $32.3 million which has been provided by Infrastructure Auckland.

Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says the improvements are bound to make ferry use more popular. "The Half Moon Bay to downtown Auckland is already the most successful of Fuller's routes and the new terminal should make it even more so.

"As a region we've neglected the use of ferries in the past. They're a great way to get around Auckland, especially for commuters who work in downtown Auckland City. Ferry operators have been improving their services out of sight but they've been let down by poor quality terminals.

"Passengers don't like being exposed to the weather or having to use shabby facilities. Once the wharf network upgrade is complete, people will have a pleasant 35-minute journey into Auckland City at low cost and with no parking or motorway hassles."

Ends

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