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From tanks to treasure - changing the ground rules for Wynyard Quarter

To enable the redevelopment of Wynyard Quarter from a bulk-liquid storage and industrial area into a world-class waterfront precinct, Auckland City Council and Auckland Regional Council have lodged proposed changes to the district and regional coastal plans for the area for public submissions.

The two plan changes will help to achieve the things people said they wanted for this part of the city including:

* More public open space

* Better access to the water's edge

* A home for the marine and fishing industries on the waterfront

* Space for events

* Better transport links to the area.

People will have the opportunity to make submissions on the two plan changes until 20 August.

The district plan will guide where activities like events or shops, offices and apartments could be located. The coastal plan will guide how the water space and wharves are managed including events on wharves, construction of new structures and protection of the marine environment.

Auckland city's Mayor Dick Hubbard, says that the city has worked hard to ensure that people's desires for the area have been reflected in the district plan change.

"The area has the potential to be an urban design showcase, a place that is built for people," he said.

"It will be a stunning new place that will provide some extra leg-room to give our growing city room to move."

ARC Chairman Michael Lee, says: "The ARC, having taken on board the views of Aucklanders including over 800 submissions during the Waterfront Vision 2040 process, is keen to hear from Aucklanders again.

"It is essential that we work closely with the people of Auckland to create a waterfront which will be a major attraction to our visitors and enhance the quality of life of Aucklanders."

The key points included in the district plan change are:

* provision for developments of residential and commercial buildings to cater for growth in the city

* provision for the continuation of the marine and fishing industries in this area

* creation of high-quality public open spaces, parks and waterfront promenades

* easily accessible locations for events

* spaces for public artworks

Key points included in the Regional Plan: Coastal plan change are:

* a marine events centre on Halsey Street wharf (north of the current site of the America's Cup bases)

* development and change of use of Wynyard Wharf (that runs alongside the eastern edge of Wynyard Point)

* buildings on the wharves while providing public access and continued use of the area by the fishing industry

* marine industry activities on the western side of Wynyard Quarter

Both plan changes allow for the proposed provision of the Te Wero opening bridge for pedestrians, cyclists and passenger transport, linking Wynyard Quarter and the CBD.

People can view the proposed changes to the district and coastal plans and submission forms at www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/centralareaplan or www.arc.govt.nz/waterfront

In addition, the Auckland City Council district plan change detail and background information is also available during business hours at:

* level 11, Civic Administrations Building, 1 Greys Ave, central city

* the reference section, Central City Library, 44 - 646 Lorne Street, central city

* all Auckland City Council libraries.

Phone Auckland City Council's duty planner, central area team if you have any questions about the proposal on (09) 379 2020.

The Auckland Regional Council's Regional Plan: Coastal plan change is available to view at:

* public libraries throughout the Auckland region

* Auckland Regional Council offices, ground floor, 21 Pitt Street, central city.

Phone (09) 366 2000 (option 1) or 0800 80 60 40 if outside the Auckland free calling area, for further information on the coastal plan change.

Submission forms can also be collected at these sites.

ENDS

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