MEDIA RELEASE

13 December 2002

Urban Design Controls For Waterfront Development

Auckland City Council’s City Development Committee received an update report this week on Council’s work with Auckland Waterfront Advisory Group (AWAG) on the future redevelopment of the western reclamation area - the waterfront area between Viaduct Harbour and the Harbour Bridge.

Council officers have been working with the AWAG to ensure that their master plan proposals for this area reflect city and regional policies, particularly those relating to growth management, transport and urban design.

The committee has recommended that council officers prepare a set of urban design guidelines for the western reclamation area. The aim is to ensure developments, structures and signs in this area are of quality design, compatible with surrounding developments, and contribute to public appreciation of the harbour.

“We can learn a great deal from overseas, where the world’s best architects and urban designers have created brilliant waterfront developments,” says Councillor Juliet Yates, committee chair. “These quality designs have been well embraced by the people, and complemented the growth of the city, without compromising working ports.”

“Council wants no less than the best for our city – one of the few cities in the world situated on two harbours,” says Councillor Yates. “This unique location presents Auckland with an even greater need to demonstrate respect for harbour front development.”

It has been suggested that the design guidelines for the area include height implications, accommodate seaviews from Fanshawe Street, provide expansion potential for marine related activities, and foster the relationship between development and semi-private/public spaces.

“The guidelines will help enhance Auckland’s reputation as a maritime city, as well as a place of beauty, spaciousness and quality,” says Councillor Yates.

AWAG has undertaken to deliver its master plan proposal (which now needs to include the new urban design guidelines) to Council by March 2003. As AWAG’s proposed plan would require change to the District Plan, a period for public submission will then start. AWAG is now consulting with the public and can be contacted at www.aucklandwaterfront.org.nz.

ENDS

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