Construction has begun on the new Half Moon Bay ferry pier which will provide a new, modern and safer ferry experience for its users. It is due to open by late 2016.
Transport Minister Simon Bridges, Mayor Len Brown and Howick Local Board Chair David Collings marked the start of construction by turning the first sods at the end of Ara-Tai in Half Moon Bay.
During the last five years, patronage of the Half Moon Bay ferry has increased by over 50 per cent to reach 372,141 total passengers in the 12 months to April 2016.
Howick Local Board, Chair David Collings says “The new ferry pier is designed to make immediate progress on a modern and safe facility within the available funding. It will become a key transfer hub for passengers using buses and ferries with better integration of services as the new public transport network for east Auckland rolls out towards the end of 2017."
The $5.9 million project is funded by the Government through the NZ Transport Agency, the Howick Local Board through its Transport Capital Fund and Auckland Council.
The new ferry pier will be similar in build quality to the Hobsonville Point ferry pier which opened in 2012.
Construction will happen in the following phases:
• Piling work for the fixed wharf
• Pre-manufactured pontoon and gangway floated and secured into place
• Land based construction work on the bus stop and turn around area will mark the end of construction.
Features and benefits of the new ferry pier:
• Safer and accessible for everyone and designed to provide a greater level of shelter against the elements for passengers using the pier
• Design will reflect the history of the local area
• It will be located at the end of Ara-Tai, separated from leisure boat users
• A sheltered cycle storage facility which has been recently built near the dinghy lockers will be relocated to within the new pier area
The Howick Local Board is also currently improving pedestrian facilities and amenity at Half Moon Bay between the marina and the boat ramp, again utilising its Transport Capital Fund. Once completed, it will provide an improved link along the waterfront and connect to other pathways in the area, which fits with the local board’s and Auckland Transport’s aim to enable easier walking and cycling to and from the ferry at Half Moon Bay.
