A council organisation plans to transform part of the Onehunga waterfront into a ‘Manukau Quarter’ similar to the Wynyard Quarter development, while retaining the area’s unique character.
A waterfront village, likely to include apartments and shops, is one possibility for the site. An authentic feel with fishing boats continuing to use the wharf and unload their catch may be considered.
High-quality urban living planned
Current owner Ports of Auckland is negotiating with council-controlled organisation Panuku Development Auckland, which is seeking to buy the site.
Ports of Auckland has been able to make the land available for sale because of a move to bigger ships and improved efficiency, allowing Onehunga freight operations to be consolidated in the main port on the Waitematā.
Panuku chief executive John Dalzell says if the development goes ahead, the organisation will be committed to achieving a high standard of urban amenity and public access across the site and along the coastal edge.
“Panuku appreciates the importance of the site to the local community. Once an agreement is finalised, it will undertake a comprehensive master planning exercise that will include the local board and key stakeholders,” he says.
Development will complement Onehunga foreshore
The waterfront development will complement the $30 million development of the Onehunga foreshore, which officially opens on Saturday.
The joint Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board/central government project has created 6.8ha of parkland between SH20 and the Manukau Harbour – with new beaches, a boat ramp and turning bay, as well as a pedestrian/cyclist bridge linking the foreshore to Onehunga Bay Reserve.
