MEDIA RELEASE
22 September 2006

Cog move signals start on big park upgrade

The giant cast iron cog that helped haul ships ashore in Evans Bay for more than a century will be moved next week so the upgrade of Cog Park can begin.

The cog, which is thought to weigh about 8 tonnes, is expected to be hoisted on to a truck by crane at some stage in the morning on Tuesday 26 September. It will then be transported to Shelley Bay where it will be upgraded and repainted before it is relocated closer to its original position on the inland side of Evans Bay Parade.

Trolley bus wires at the Miramar cutting will have to be lifted so the truck and cog can pass underneath but this is not expected to disrupt bus services.

The cog was a part of the original steam engine that was used to winch ships up the Patent Slip for cleaning, repairs and painting. The Patent Slip operated from 1873 until 1985.

The Council’s Economy, Sports and Recreation Portfolio Leader, Councillor John Morrison, says big improvements are planned for the Cog Park area and moving the cog is an important first step.

“People will be thrilled with the plans,” he says. “The new park will look superb and its design will make the most of the wonderful seafront location.”

The changes involve moving and re-housing the sea scouts, sea cadets, canoe club and other groups that use the area to create a more attractive park next to Hataitai Beach.

The existing cluster of old clubrooms and sheds will be replaced with a new, architecturally-designed, single storey, purpose-built building, which is being funded by the groups. It will include meeting rooms, toilets, kitchen, office and storage space and be adjacent to a new boatshed complex.

Work on the two new buildings is expected to begin before Christmas. Once they are complete, the old buildings will be demolished and the remainder of the park redeveloped. New roadside parking will be created so more of the existing waterfront area will be available for recreation.

Cr Morrison says a flat grassy area slightly smaller than a rugby field, a wide new lime chip path through the park and an upgrade of the existing coastal track are among the changes planned.

“Landscaping will involve retaining most of the existing trees, planting additional pohutakawa as well as ngaio and kowhai and creating new low planted areas using native grasses and coastal plants.”

ENDS

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