July 22 2011

Wynyard Quarter, Auckland’s newest waterfront destination, opens in two weeks!

After years of considered planning, design and construction, the first stage of the Wynyard Quarter revitalisation, the new jewel in Auckland’s waterfront, opens to the public on Saturday 6 August 2011.

Wynyard Quarter, affectionately known as the Tank Farm, is a 36 hectare area of reclaimed land stretching from the eastern side of Viaduct Harbour to the Western Wall facing the Westhaven marina.

What has been predominantly the domain of the maritime and oil and gas industries, Wynyard Quarter is undergoing a 25 year revitalisation and is New Zealand’s largest urban renewal project.

The $120 million stage one transformation includes new, vibrant public spaces, buildings and amenities. Completed projects include the Gordon Moller designed (of Sky Tower fame) Viaduct Events Centre, a new pedestrian bridge linking the eastern side of Viaduct Harbour (Wynyard Crossing), nine new restaurants and bars at North Wharf, a revitalised tree-lined Jellicoe Street (now more a boulevard than street) and Silo Park, a new inner city park with great sea views and guarded by the old Golden Bay cement silo as a nod to the area’s industrial heritage.

Chief Executive John Dalzell of Waterfront Auckland, the council controlled organisation responsible for the delivery of the works, says August 6 will mark a significant milestone for the city:

“For so long, Aucklanders have wanted to unlock the potential of the Tank Farm. It is a pleasure and a delight to be able to reunite the city with some of this prime waterfront land in the form of new public spaces, hospitality businesses and a show stopping new exhibition centre.”

“This is the culmination of a series of major construction projects, we’re immensely proud of what has been achieved here. Our opening is going to be a very special and exciting day and we encourage Aucklanders to come down and enjoy this new part of their waterfront – Wynyard Quarter.”

A list of dignitaries including the Prime Minister John Key and the Mayor of Auckland Len Brown, will be attending the opening of Wynyard Quarter, which will also feature the much-anticipated return of trams to Auckland city streets for the first time in over 50 years.

A day of activities and festivities is planned on 6 August including boat displays and racing in Viaduct Harbour, live music and outdoor cinema in Silo park, art and heritage tours and much, much more. A full schedule is available at www.waterfrontauckland .co.nz and in the next edition of Our Auckland, Auckland Council’s regional publication free to all homes.

ENDS

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