Media Release

August 22, 2013

Waterfront Development Concept Floated

Plans to develop several Council owned properties on Wakefield Quay will be brought forward for consideration on September 13.

The properties are located at the sites previously occupied by Four Seasons and Reliance Engineering, alongside the Anchor Building and the Customhouse Hotel. 

Facilitated by Councillor Pete Rainey with the support of Nelson Mayor Aldo Miccio, the plans intend to provide a blueprint that will aid a collaborative discussion and decision making process, regarding feasibility of the proposed waterfront upgrade.

Local architect Ian Jack of Irving Smith Jack Architects, who are responsible for preparing concept drawings, says the plans will highlight a multitude of benefits for the Nelson community.

“The concept plans show how the whole area could be opened up for retail, hospitality and recreation opportunities, while at the same time increasing parking availability, and developing shared pathway connections between the waterfront and the city,” says Mr Jack.

Mayor Miccio says the idea will produce a range of economic and community opportunities.

“At this stage the plans are a concept only, but they provide us with a practical platform for discussion. The idea is based upon enhancing the waterfront to create business opportunities, a safe and more attractive environment, whilst protecting our heritage buildings,” says Miccio.

“Not only would it enhance the area as a tourism destination, but it could also anchor the future direction for this iconic waterfront precinct.”

Councillor Pete Rainey says protection and development of the waterfront as a key community asset is crucial.

“Council safeguarding the waterfront precinct will provide a long-term vision and solution for the waterfront and allow us the opportunity to to secure future possibilities for the area, and package it together for developers’ consideration“, says Rainey.

“We have consulted with Port Nelson CEO Martin Byrne who has indicated the company could be interested in looking at slight boundary adjustments that could give greater access to the sites as well as the potential for sympathetic development of the historic shed 1 in the future.”

Mayor Miccio says final work is being completed on the concept plan and drawings, and he looks forward to presenting them to Councillors, developers and members of the public to consider.

ENDS

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