Well, we’re finally here! After months of updates through this e-newsletter it gives me great pleasure to say the first stage of the 25-year Wynyard Quarter revitalisation is complete.

To celebrate we’re having a public opening tomorrow Saturday 6 August and I’m delighted to say you are all invited. The day kicks off with a dawn ceremony and is followed by a full day of free public entertainment and activities.

Looking back to early last year when construction got underway, it’s hard to believe seven new areas are now ready for visitors arriving in Auckland for the Rugby World Cup to experience the newest part of Auckland’s waterfront, one that show cases the latest international design thinking in sustainability and celebrates our sea-loving Pacific culture and maritime history.

• Wynyard Crossing – an opening bridge accommodating pedestrian and cycling access between Te Wero Island (Auckland Viaduct) and Gateway Plaza (Viaduct Harbour) across the Viaduct Harbour
• Gateway Plaza – a 4855m2 public plaza incorporating an information kiosk made of shipping containers and tidal steps to the water’s edge
• Viaduct Events Centre – a new 6000m2 events facility on Halsey Street Extension Wharf
• Jellicoe Street – a 440m tree-lined, blue-stone paved public boulevard incorporating a tramline, public seating, lighting, rain-gardens and sculpture
• North Wharf - nine new restaurants and bars at the water’s edge
• Silo Park – a grassed public space bordered by a 12 metre high by 110 metre long steel gantry, celebrating the area’s industrial heritage and incorporating the Golden Bay Cement Silo 7 and six-pack with excellent views over the area
• Auckland Tramway – a new 1.5km tramway loop carrying two historic trams painted in the original carnation red livery.

Aucklanders have been asking for access to their waterfront for a long time. Now, 35 resource consents, 45 building consents, two district plan changes and 16 construction months later, the first stage of this giant jigsaw puzzle is complete.

I would personally like to thank the construction companies and workers involved with the revitalisation of Wynyard Quarter, the tenants and businesses in the area for their patience and understanding during construction, the architects and designers leading the way, and the many staff across the entire Auckland Council who have lent their skills and support to get us this far. Their hard work, effort and enthusiasm has been unprecedented and is, in my view, a World Cup winning performance!

We are very pleased to present Auckland ratepayers and residents with this newly redeveloped land at Wynyard Quarter where they can touch the water, smell the sea, and watch the action happening in the harbour and its immediate surrounds as well as grab a great meal, coffee, fresh fish and produce.

I think visitors to the area this Saturday, and thereafter, will be astounded at the new public spaces, amenities and places available to them that sit right by the water’s edge.

Please join us to celebrate the opening of the Wynyard Quarter.

Saturday 6 August. It’s a date!

The Wynyard Quarter Opening begins at dawn with a powhiri from 7am. The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon John Key is attending alongside the Mayor of Auckland, Len Brown and the Chair of Waterfront Auckland, Bob Harvey.

The day of activities and festivities includes boat displays and racing in Viaduct Harbour, live music and outdoor cinema in Silo Park, art and heritage tours and much, much more.

A full schedule is available at www.waterfrontauckland.co.nz and in the latest edition of Our Auckland, Auckland Council’s regional publication free to all homes.

ENDS

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