Franklin Local Board members Sharlene Druyven and Brendon Compton have gone behind the wall at Sandspit Reserve in Waiuku.
Invited by contractors Land Sea Civil to view progress on the Sandspit Reserve seawall upgrade and beach replenishment, the pair emerged from behind the protective curtains delighted at what they saw.
"It’s remarkable what they have achieved since work started on August 20," Ms Druyven says. "This is a big job and I really think the public is going to be delighted with the end result."
The $1.6 million project covers an upgrade of the existing boat ramp, beach replenishment with imported sand, a hardwood timber boardwalk with stairs accessing the beach, a timber pier and a concrete stepped seawall near the yacht club.
"We are looking at having it open in time for Christmas, and I can’t say enough about the contractors," Mr Compton says. "They have been flat out and I think when people get to see what has been created, they are going to be very pleased."
Much of the work could only be undertaken at low tide, adding to the complexity of the build. Early indications had estimated that work would not be completed before late summer but the contractors are ahead of schedule with 21 December now being targeted.
“All I know is I’m glad it wasn’t me having to get 24,000 stainless steel screws in a straight line on the boardwalk,” Ms Druyven says.
