April 15, 2008

Steps toward new wharf facilities at Bayswater and Takapuna

North Shore City Council has announced its support in principle for a new Bayswater Ferry Terminal proposed by ARTA.

A briefing from ARTA to North Shore City's infrastructure and environment committee on Thursday indicated a new terminal would enable increased peak ferry service frequency up to 15-minute intervals and bring the standard of passenger waiting areas in line with that of the Shore's new busway stations.

Committee chair, Councillor Ken McKay, says the recent granting of a resource consent for the new terminal is another significant step in the ongoing improvement of public transport infrastructure in North Shore City.

"The proposed new terminal for Bayswater is a great way for North Shore City and ARTA to build on the public's enthusiastic response to our new Busway stations."

A Memorandum of Understanding will formalise the partnership arrangements between North Shore City Council and ARTA.

Access to the new terminal would necessitate the removal of the council-owned 'Blue Shed' maritime building, which the Takapuna Grammar School Rowing Club has used on a month-by-month lease since 2004.

With this in mind, the council has established a working party comprising council officers, elected representatives and the rowing club to identify a location which would provide a new home for the club.

The infrastructure and environment committee was also briefed on a number of different wharf options for Takapuna.

The committee resolved that two concept designs - one jetty option and one harbour option - be prepared for public consultation, in conjunction with the Harbour Access Trust.

An assessment of resulting impacts and costs will be scoped prior to public consultation being undertaken.

Committee chair, Councillor Ken McKay, says the investigative work for a wharf at Takapuna has reached an exciting stage where public feedback is required and detailed costs for various options need to prepared.

ENDS

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