Auckland Transport (AT) has advised that further options are being considered for Northcote Point Wharf, and an internal review is underway to ascertain if additional funding can be allocated to the project. This follows the identification that the wharf structure requires additional repair and renewal work than originally envisaged.
The 60-year old wharf has been closed since 2018 after significant structural issues were identified by AT. Detailed survey assessments have now confirmed that wooden structural elements under the deck need to be either repaired or replaced.
Original estimated timeframes for the project were for reopening by the end of 2019. However, the final design to make the wharf safe has identified costs currently above budget.
“We are working with a complex site and the marine environment comes with its own set of challenges” says David Nelson, AT Portfolio Delivery Director (Projects).
“The most recent design effectively means we need to rebuild the wharf, so it’s not the simple repair originally envisaged. We want to make sure we get it right especially with the upcoming construction of the SeaPath and SkyPath”.
“Although the service does not have high levels of patronage, AT recognises the wharf’s place in the community, and the importance of reopening or redeveloping the wharf as soon as possible”.
AT is aiming to make a decision in the coming weeks.
Daily patronage for the Northcote Point ferry averages around 80 regular users.
