A number of council owned development sites in Wynyard Quarter were blessed by mana whenua last week in preparation for $1 billion of construction about to begin.
The sites are spread across a block of land bordered by Beaumont, Pakenham Street West, Halsey and Madden Streets, and will eventually be the location for 500 new homes and 48,000 m2 of commercial space.
The 3.5 hectare area in the heart of Wynyard Quarter will also have 11,000 m2 of new laneways and open spaces, including nearly 1,300 metres of retail space.
Panuku Development Auckland as the landowner and masterplanner on behalf of Auckland Council will oversee the development being delivered in conjunction with its partners Precinct Properties (commercial) and Willis Bond Ltd (residential) and their respective contractors and consultants.
Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse says blessing of the development sites is an important way of acknowledging the changing face of Auckland waterfront.
“It’s important we take the time to mark the passing of the land from its former industrial use to the location for a new residential and working community in recognition of the historical links of the land to local iwi.”
Panuku Interim Chief Executive John Dalzell says after opening up the western edge of Auckland’s waterfront in 2011 and the ongoing improvements to the public realm since then, the central precinct of Wynyard Quarter will be an important next step.
“What we’re talking about here is setting an exemplar for medium density development for the region. Building designs will inspire and new behaviours will be encouraged through approaches to recycling, energy and water conservation and generation, walking and cycling amenities, car parking and transport.”
“It won’t just be tenant or homeowners who are set to benefit from the development, as visitors to Wynyard Quarter will be able to experience a whole new part of the city."
