ARC Group progresses plans for Queens Wharf cruise ship facility 

13 November 2008

Auckland Regional Council’s Transport and Urban Development Committee has decided to progress work with Ports of Auckland Ltd, Auckland Regional Holdings, Auckland City Council and Central Government toward establishing a cruise ship terminal at Queens Wharf on the Auckland waterfront.

ARC Chairman Mike Lee says he is pleased to see further joint progress being made.

“With the spectacular increase in cruise ship visits over the last few years, there is an urgent need to provide a decent new terminal to cater for the cruise ship industry at Queens Wharf.

“The Queens Wharf location presents a unique opportunity for Auckland, which is not only the biggest freight port in the country but is also a major cruise shipping destination. The ARC wants a cruise ship terminal on Queens Wharf but we also recognise that Queens Wharf is a vital piece of maritime infrastructure and still essential for cargo shipping. Therefore it is a matter of balance.

“There are three elements to the use of Queens Wharf that we wish to achieve and we are signalling this to Auckland Regional Holdings and Ports of Auckland: A new and attractive cruise ship terminal, continued use by other shipping and, within the constraints of post 9/11 international port security requirements, access for the public.”

Mr Lee says public access to Queens Wharf could be achieved by creating an esplanade along its western side effectively creating a continuous public access from the end of Queens Wharf to Quay Street and around the Princes Wharf basin.

Transport and Urban Development Committee Chair Christine Rose says the Cruise ship industry is extremely important for the economy of Auckland. 

“Queens Wharf is a critically important site located as it is close to Britomart Transport Centre, the ferry terminals, Queen Street and the CBD.  The cruise industry makes a valuable contribution to the Auckland regional economy.  We need to ensure it has adequate facilities to support visitors and their needs, to meet both current and future demands.  Queens Wharf is strategically located to fill this role, and achieve other urban design, public access and commercial goals at the same time.  Achieving the necessary balance will take collaboration and a concerted effort among all parties. We are very excited to be part of this process,” she said.

There are a range of cost options available and the ARC Group intends work through these methodically with all the relevant parties, including Auckland City Council.

The resolutions from the Transport and Urban Development Committee meeting are:

a) That the report be received

b) That the Committee support further joint work with Ports of Auckland Limited, Auckland Regional Holdings, Auckland City Council and Central Government on a cruise ship terminal on Queen’s Wharf, including work to:

• resolve issues around the ability of Queens Wharf to support additional structures.

• identify operational solutions for the mixed use of Queens Wharf by existing vehicle and other cargo, a primary cruise terminal and the provision of limited public access; and

• develop and cost a proposal for a fit for purpose cruise ship terminal on Queens Wharf that is consistent with mixed use of the wharf for other cargo, other shipping (including ferries); and

• develop a funding proposal for consideration by potential funders; and

• place the investigation of future uses of Queens Wharf in the context of the wider waterfront and port operations.

c) That the Committee recommend to Council that funds be allocated through the six-monthly review to enable the Auckland Regional Council to contribute to a joint study of a possible cruise terminal on Queen’s Wharf.

d) That officers investigate and report back on the lessons learnt from the redevelopment of Princes Wharf, giving particular attention to compliance matters and public interest issues such as pedestrian access and the quality of public open spaces.

e) That the report be made available to the public and recommendations a) – d) be restated in public.

Ends

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